Part 3/8:
The arrival of European explorers in the 16th century marked the beginning of the Colusa civilization's decline. The initial contact with Spanish explorers brought diseases that decimated the indigenous population. Following this, the disruptive Colonial policies led to warfare and the eventual collapse of the Colusa culture.
The Formation of the Seminole Identity
In the 18th century, a migration of Creek Indians from the southeastern United States resulted in the emergence of the Seminole people in Florida. The Seminoles faced conflict with European settlers and the U.S. government, leading to a series of conflicts known as the Seminole Wars, ultimately pushing them further south into the Everglades.