Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Subject Area Practice Test

What was the greatest impact of the Spanish introduction of horses into the Americas on Plains Indians?

1. It improved agricultural practices.

2. It established trade with European settlers.

3. It ended the nomadic lifestyle.

4. It increased their resistance to diseases.

The correct answer is: It ended the nomadic lifestyle.

The introduction of horses by the Spanish had a profound impact on the lifestyle and culture of Plains Indians, primarily facilitating a more effective nomadic lifestyle rather than ending it. The presence of horses transformed the Plains Indians' ability to travel, hunt, and trade across vast distances. This mobility allowed them to follow herds of buffalo more efficiently and expanded their territory for hunting and gathering. With access to horses, Plains Indians became more adept at hunting and warfare, enabling them to compete with other tribes and to acquire more resources. They developed new forms of social organization and culture around the use of horses, becoming expert horsemen who could cover large areas quickly. The horse became integral to their identity and daily life, leading to a more dynamic and complex society that thrived in the Great Plains. Though agriculture was prevalent in some tribes prior to the introduction of horses, the primary impact was seen in the enhancement of their nomadic patterns and hunting practices, rather than a cessation of a nomadic lifestyle.