In which period of Native American history did permanent settlements develop for the first time?
A.
Woodland
B.
Mississippian
C.
Paleo
D.
Archaic
B. Mississippian
The question asks about the period of Native American history in which permanent settlements first developed. To find the answer, we need to understand each of the options given: Woodland, Mississippian, Paleo, and Archaic.
A. Woodland: The Woodland period refers to a time between approximately 1000 BCE and 1000 CE. During this period, Native American societies in eastern North America experienced significant cultural changes, including the development of agriculture, pottery-making, and the use of burial mounds. However, it is important to note that the concept of permanent settlements varied across different regions.
B. Mississippian: The Mississippian period, which occurred from approximately 800 CE to 1600 CE, is characterized by the emergence of complex societies centered around large ceremonial centers and agricultural practices. These societies had a hierarchical social structure and built extensive earthwork mound complexes, such as the famous Cahokia site in present-day Illinois.
C. Paleo: The Paleo period, also known as the Paleo-Indian period, dates back to the earliest human presence in the Americas, around 13,000 to 9,000 BCE. During this time, Native American populations were predominantly nomadic hunter-gatherers, following the movements of animals and resources across the landscape. Permanent settlements were not a characteristic of this period.
D. Archaic: The Archaic period spans from approximately 8000 BCE to 1000 BCE. It is a transitional period during which Native American societies began relying more on sedentary and semi-sedentary lifestyles. However, true permanent settlements did not emerge until later periods.
Now that we have a basic understanding of each option, we can determine the correct answer. Based on the information provided, the period in which permanent settlements developed for the first time among Native American societies is the:
B. Mississippian period.
During the Mississippian period, Native American societies in eastern North America developed complex settlements centered around ceremonial centers. These settlements were characterized by large-scale agricultural practices and the construction of monumental earthwork mounds.