Introduction

This part introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters. The part provides glimpses into varying preconquest civilizations and their institutions. It presents the big picture of prehistoric human evolution and settlement. Prehistoric settlement of the American continent and the evolution of its indigenous civilizations are part of this long economic history of humankind. The part presents the big picture of prehistoric human evolution and settlement. It also provides Linda Barrington describes the level of economic development of the Mississippian civilization of southeastern North America prior to European contact. The part examines how changing costs and benefits led to institutional change among the Native American cultures of the Great Plains. The horse spread northward from Mexico between 1600 and 1740. It discusses a limited selection of preconquest North American peoples, reveals the universality of humankind's response to economic forces.