Breaking Bread

In spite of the conflicts between Native Americans and Europeans, the two cultures learned many things from one another. They learned about new foods. Europeans brought seeds for many of their favorite foods to the Americas, but many settlers could not wait for the seeds to grow. They had to eat new foods or they would starve to death. The Native Americans introduced the settlers to many new foods.

One of these foods was corn, or maize. In fact, it was the most important food grown by Native Americans. Scientists think corn was first grown in South and Central America. It spread through other parts of North and South America.

Corn could be eaten, boiled, or roasted on the cob. It could be dried and ground into cornmeal. Like we do today, Native Americans even made popcorn!

Corn’s Journey Through the Americas

Analyze the Map Describe corn’s journey through the Americas. What may have caused corn’s spread to the eastern part of North America?

• 1,000 years ago

• 2,000 years ago

• 4,000 years ago

• 7,000–9,000 years ago