Which of the following factors was significant in shaping Native American economic systems?

The interaction with European settlers was a significant factor in shaping Native American economic systems because it introduced new goods, trade practices, and economic needs. As European settlers arrived in North America, they brought with them new technologies, animals, and crops, which had a profound impact on Native economies. For example, the introduction of the horse changed transportation and hunting practices for many tribes, while new agricultural products like wheat and other crops altered traditional food sources and farming methods.

Additionally, trade relationships formed between Native Americans and Europeans led to an exchange of goods and ideas, significantly influencing local economies and leading some tribes to adapt their strategies to be more market-oriented in the context of European demands. The changes prompted by this interaction often required tribes to alter their traditional ways of life, resulting in a hybrid economic system that incorporated elements from both Native American and European practices. This dynamic illustrates how the economic systems of Native Americans were not static but were influenced by external interactions, particularly with European settlers.