Wanderlust World Wanderlust World European colonization inflicted catastrophic, lasting damage on Native American societies across the Americas.
Diseases like smallpox, measles, and influenza killed an estimated 90% of the pre-contact population.
Colonizers seized territory through force and broken treaties, confining tribes to smaller, less viable reservations.
Native religions, languages, and lifeways were systematically suppressed.
Children were removed to boarding schools where they were forbidden to speak their languages or practice traditions.
Native peoples were denied rights and opportunities, facing systemic discrimination in education, employment, and housing.
These impacts continue to drive high poverty, health disparities, and social challenges in Native communities today.