With the passage of time, that initial view of the new inhabitants changed from a mutual cooperation to that of utter conquest. Today, the history of North America is believed to be the history of the conquering Europeans. Victors write the history is true in this case. The history of the Indians today is seen as folktales or some type of myth in the minds of most Americans. The history of the Indians, prior to European contact, was passed down by oral translation. The chronicles of Native Americans seemed to halt once Europeans stepped foot onto North American soil. Their lives as they once knew them would soon change for the worse. .
Before contact with Europeans, the lands of North America were vast and fertile for the inhabiting people. The land was part of them religiously and physically. Their very own existence was tied to the land. The land gave them, food, shelter, and harmony. These inhabitants, known as Indians, would soon discover a stranger upon their lands, and this stranger brought with them odd gifts which have never been seen before. Most Indians acquired these strange items through trade and commerce among themselves and never really encountered the bringer of such items. With the passage of time and the influx of more Europeans into the region, Indians began to open a dialogue with them. The Indians wanted to know where they came from and what other new items they may have to trade. In the beginning this seemed to work for both parties. The Indians were receiving goods they have never encountered before; the new settlers were acquiring precious metals and other items they have never encountered before. The sight of these European ships was a sign to the Indians that the prospect of trade was upon them and the ability to obtain new items or items that they have already come accustomed to was now arriving in the European settlements. The Indians perspective on the situation was seen as a new experience that will help the Native Americans prosper.