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Preview of what I’m talking about in today’s show…

Today I want to talk about something that many folks try to avoid, and that is the culture clash that occurred when the Spanish first entered into the region. I want to discuss their interactions with the tribes they encountered, and some of the consequences of those interactions.

In the early days of the 16^th century, life among the various tribes was taking place much like it always had.  Whether they were the Caddos, the Karankawas on the coast, or the migrating Apaches, their social lives and structure were somewhat similar. Even though each group had access to different types of resources, their societies were not completely alien to each other.  Regardless of whether or not they were hunter-gatherers or farmers, the men hunted, fought the wars, and conducted trades. The women farmed or foraged, and in many cases they did both. The tribes weapons, tools, and utensils were made of stone, bone, clay, wood, or animal hides, and these materials were available to almost everyone. They were not savages or barbarians and they all had complex political, religious, and social frameworks that regulated behavior and were put in place to help guarantee the survival and advancement of the community. Main spirits were worshiped, they conducted meaningful ceremonies, and relationships between individuals created families, and leadership of the group were mostly the bravest and brightest. While they did have conflict with each other, mostly when one would intrude on another’s territory, they usually did not attempt to exterminate each other.

Unfortunately, at this time the peoples would come into contact with a culture from Europe that was focused on expanding their power and wealth.  In addition, unfortunately, they found themselves unprepared to deal with a new world the Europeans brought; especially in regards to weaponry…