1. Disease: The arrival of Europeans introduced diseases to which the Native Americans had no immunity. Diseases such as smallpox, measles, and cholera devastated Native populations. Estimates put the number of Native Americans who died from disease at up to 90%.
2. Technology: The Europeans had a significant technological advantage over the Native Americans. This included the use of guns, armor, and horses. These advantages allowed the Europeans to conquer large areas of land and defeat Native armies.
3. Religion: The spread of Christianity among Native Americans further weakened their traditional cultures and society. Missionaries taught Native Americans that their religious beliefs and practices were evil, and they often convinced them to convert to Christianity. Losing their traditional faiths also contributed to the erosion of Native communities.
4. Exploitation: Native Americans were often brutally exploited by European settlers. They were forced to work in mines, logging camps, and other dangerous jobs. Many Native Americans were also enslaved.
5. Government policies: European colonial governments enacted policies that aimed to control and dispossess Native Americans. These policies included the establishment of reservations, land cessions, and forced removal from ancestral lands.