• Dr. Bob@lemmy.ca
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    5 days ago

    It was the west before the entire Continent was explored. For you youngsters there was a time when they didn’t know where the other side of the landmass was.

      • Drusas@fedia.io
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        4 days ago

        I highly doubt that Native Americans from the east coast knew where the west coast was, either.

        • DragonTypeWyvern@midwest.social
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          4 days ago

          They were just a bunch of ignorant savages, after all. It’s as absurd as a medieval society having heard about China!

          /S because you apparently literally believe that

          • Drusas@fedia.io
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            4 days ago

            I’m glad I don’t live in a mind that immediately turns so hostile. Must be tiresome.

            People on the east coast of what is now the United States did not have horses and were not very migratory. They probably did not travel far. I’m sure they had an understanding that there was a west coast due to interactions with other tribes. That doesn’t mean they knew where it was.

            Even if I’m wrong on any points, this is hardly a racist view.

            • Bytemeister@lemmy.world
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              4 days ago

              There were East-West trade routes before European settlers showed up.

              The Inca people of South America famously built a 25,000 mile long road, and they didn’t have horses, so access to horses is not a prerequisite for long distance travel.

          • Yeather@lemmy.ca
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            4 days ago

            Well you aren’t helpful. Quick google search says more than likely no. No complete maps of the continent exist prior to the colonial era, but trading between tribes close to each other did see some items travel across the continent and into mesoamerica. Certain artifacts from Florida tribes were found in California, and shells from California found in Alaska and Virginia.

              • Yeather@lemmy.ca
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                4 days ago

                I mean, maybe? You worded your response odd. Generally Native American tribes understood there was more West, but not how far or exactly what. If limited cartography makes them savages then I guess you are correct. The average European peasant would have similar knowledge of China, the main difference comes down to the upper echelon of society having direct communications and trade across the continents. Something not seen amongst Native Americans.