The three primary reasons the Indians lost to the whites are, in order of importance:

1) Lack of adequate immune systems (#1 by a long shot).

2) Failure to see it as a "white civilization vs. red civilization" conflict and instead view each individual battle as a tribe vs. tribe conflict.

3) Marginally inferior military tech.  Horses and canon were a massive advantage for the Euros, flintlock and matchlocks were equally or less effective than most Native bows.

But Ken is a Kon and all he can fathom is guns and how awesome they are so there you have it.

by ProfRich on 08/17/2008 12:16:11 AM EST

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Thanks Rich.  I would also add that the various regions and tribes experienced very different challenges and threats.  If anyone is interested, this is an interesting history of what happened in California, with many links.  And what a sad story it is.  My sister is an archaeologist in California, which has made me more aware of the history of the missions. 

by desertpear on 08/17/2008 04:35:47 PM EST

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