The Collision of Cultures in the 16th Century

Paleo Indians

The first human migrants to America, arriving around 1650 years ago, who were nomadic and depended on hunting and gathering.

Columbian Exchange

The transfer of goods, crops, and diseases between the Old World and the New World that significantly affected both societies.

Maya Society

An advanced civilization in Mesoamerica known for creating permanent farming towns and experiencing ecological strain due to overpopulation and farming practices.

Mexica (Aztecs)

A nomadic group that established the Mexica Empire with Tenochtitlan as its capital, known for its complex social structure and religious practices, including human sacrifices.

North American Civilizations

By 1492, there were approximately 240 diverse societies in North America, each with unique languages and cultural practices.

Iroquois League

A confederation of tribes including the Seneca, Onondaga, Mohawk, Oneida, and Cayuga, known for their political organization and balanced gender roles.

Renaissance

A period of cultural and intellectual revival in Europe that spurred exploration and advancements in navigation technology, such as the compass and astrolabe.

Christopher Columbus

An Italian explorer sponsored by Spain who mistakenly discovered the Bahamas in 1492 while seeking a new route to Asia.

Treaty of Tordesillas

A 1494 agreement sanctioned by Pope Alexander VI that divided the New World between Spain and Portugal, establishing claims over non-Christian lands.

Professional Explorers

Explorers sponsored by European nation-states (the Big Four) who sought new lands for economic gain and prestige, leading to significant discoveries and territorial claims.

Big 4

Spain, Portugal, France, & England. The main places in Europe that colonized the western hemisphere