What was the primary impact of European exploration on Native American societies?

The primary impact of European exploration on Native American societies was disruption and colonization. European explorers and settlers arrived in the Americas with intentions of claiming land and resources, which often led to the displacement of Indigenous peoples from their ancestral lands. This colonization was accompanied by various forms of disruption, including warfare, disease, and the breakdown of traditional societies.

The introduction of foreign diseases by Europeans decimated Native populations, as Indigenous peoples had no immunity to such illnesses. This loss of life weakened social structures and communities, leading to significant transformations in the cultural landscape of Native American societies. The violent encounters and forced removal from land further intensified these disruptions, often resulting in loss of sovereignty and autonomy for Native tribes.

In contrast to the other options, while there were indeed instances of technological exchange, trade interactions, and some cultural exchanges, the overarching theme of European exploration was one of dominance and significant impact that often led to the decline and transformation of Native American ways of life. The harsh realities of colonization overshadowed the potential benefits that might have come from trade and cultural interactions.