What primarily caused the destruction of most Native American tribes?

The primary cause of the destruction of most Native American tribes can be attributed to constant warfare and catastrophic diseases. Following the arrival of European settlers in the Americas, Native American populations faced significant conflicts due to territorial disputes, competition for resources, and aggressive expansion by settlers. These confrontations often resulted in violent engagements.

Additionally, the introduction of diseases such as smallpox, influenza, and measles had devastating effects on Native American populations, who had no prior exposure or immunity to these illnesses. Epidemics swept through communities, leading to dramatic population declines. This combination of warfare and disease profoundly weakened tribal structures and societies, leading to the widespread destruction of Native American tribes across North America.

While trade disputes, natural disasters, famine, and cultural assimilation also impacted Native American communities, they were not the primary drivers of the overall devastation experienced by the tribes. The concurrent effects of relentless warfare and the catastrophic toll of diseases had a far more lethal impact, leading to significant demographic and cultural changes among Native American peoples.