Which agricultural practices did Native Americans introduce to European settlers?

Study for the AMSCO AP United States History Exam (APUSH) – Period 1. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The introduction of maize, beans, and squash cultivation by Native Americans to European settlers is a significant aspect of agricultural history. These three crops, often referred to as the "Three Sisters," were not only staples in the indigenous diets but also crucial to their agricultural practices. This method of companion planting was efficient, as these crops complemented each other's growth and offered a balanced diet, providing essential nutrients and flavors.

As European settlers encountered these crops upon their arrival, they began to incorporate them into their own agricultural systems, which greatly assisted in sustaining their populations in the New World. The cultivation of these crops became a central element of both English and Spanish colonial agriculture, reflecting a successful adaptation and exchange of agricultural knowledge between Native Americans and European settlers.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the primary agricultural contributions of Native Americans. While cotton and tobacco were important later on, their widespread cultivation was not introduced by Native Americans until after further European influence. Wheat and barley farming was part of the European agricultural tradition, having been brought over from Europe by settlers. Similarly, fruit orchards and vineyards have their origins in European agriculture and were adapted later by settlers in the New World, rather than being introduced by Native Americans. Thus, the significance of maize, beans

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