Unit 1: Pre-Columbian World

What crops were central to the agriculture of Indigenous peoples in the Americas before 1492?

Corn, manioc, potatoes, and tobacco.

What domesticated animals were present in the Americas before 1492?

Llamas, alpacas, and guinea pigs.

What animals were commonly found in the Old World before 1492?

Horses, cattle, pigs, sheep, chickens, cats, and dogs.

What types of plants were cultivated in the Old World before 1492?

Wheat, wine grapes, and sugar cane.

How were the Old World and New World geographically isolated from each other before 1492?

By the Bering Strait/land bridge.

What was the impact of disease exposure on Old World populations before 1492?

They developed some immunity.

What year did Christopher Columbus voyage to the Caribbean?

1492

What significant event does Christopher Columbus's voyage in 1492 mark?

The beginning of sustained European contact with the New World.

What did Christopher Columbus mistakenly believe he had reached during his voyage?

The Indies.

What begins after 1492 that involves a transfer of plants, animals, diseases, and ideas between the Old and New Worlds?

The Columbian Exchange

Which animals were introduced to the New World after 1492 that transformed transportation, agriculture, and culture?

Horses, cattle, pigs, sheep, chickens, dogs, and cats

What animals were present in the New World but not widely adopted by the Old World?

Llamas, alpacas, and guinea pigs

Which crops were brought from the New World to the Old World after 1492?

Corn, manioc, tobacco, potatoes, and tomatoes

What crops were introduced from the Old World to the New World after 1492?

Wheat, wine grapes, and sugar cane

What disease from the Old World caused catastrophic epidemics among Native American populations after 1492?

Smallpox

What was a major consequence of the introduction of Old World diseases to the New World?

Massive population decline among Native American populations

What disease may have been introduced to the Old World from the New World?

Syphilis

What happened to Native American societies post-1492?

They were disrupted and changed; their belief systems and social structures were devastated.

How did Europeans view Native Americans after 1492?

They developed a negative view based on the decimation caused by disease and a belief that the Christian god was stronger due to the deaths of many natives.

What was a significant shift in power dynamics after 1492?

There was a shift in the balance of power between the old and new worlds.

What ecological changes occurred after 1492?

There was an introduction of non-native weeds and changes in the ecosystem.

What is an example of selective breeding that occurred after 1492?

Modern corn and modern potatoes are examples of plants that were selectively bred.

What animal was domesticated as a result of selective breeding after 1492?

Domestic pigs were selectively bred.

What trade was established to support sugar production in the New World?

The transatlantic slave trade was established.

1940s

Penicillin comes into use, providing a treatment for syphilis

1980

Smallpox is officially eradicated globally.

Christopher Columbus:

Italian explorer who led the first sustained European expeditions to the New World, initiating the Columbian Exchange. Though he thought he'd found India, his voyages spurred European colonization and the vast changes that followed. He was never fully aware of his mistake.

Who are the Indigenous peoples of the Americas?

Native Americans

What significant event profoundly affected Native Americans?

The Columbian Exchange

What caused significant population decline among Native Americans?

Disease

What term stems from Columbus's mistaken belief about the Americas?

Indians

What were the effects of the Columbian Exchange on Native American societies?

Cultural and societal disruption

Who were the initial European colonizers of the Caribbean?

Spaniards

What did the Spaniards introduce to the Caribbean and parts of the Americas?

Animals, plants, and diseases

What were the goals of the Spaniards during their colonization efforts?

Trade, land, and converts to Catholicism

Who participated in the Columbian Exchange?

Europeans

What role did Europeans play in the New World?

They were often agents of colonization and cultural transformation.

What negative impact did Europeans have on the New World?

They spread many diseases.

What did Europeans benefit from in the New World?

Some New World plants.

Who is Al Capone?

A famous American gangster during the Prohibition era.

What disease did Al Capone have?

Syphilis

What was significant about Al Capone's syphilis?

He had it before there was a cure, and his condition deteriorated as a result.

Unnamed Historians

Mentioned as people still debating some aspects of the exchange, including the origin of syphilis.

What empires flourished in Mesoamerica and South America before 1501?

Aztec and Inca Empires

What type of wealth was significant for the Aztecs?

Gold

What type of wealth was significant for the Incas?

Silver

What was a common characteristic of various Native American tribes before 1501?

They often existed in conflict with the dominant empires.

What year did Columbus first arrive in the New World?

1492

Which country was the first to arrive in the New World?

Spain

1501-1621

The era of the conquistadors in the New World begins. Spanish soldiers govern the Spanish colonies.

What year did Hernando Cortes arrive in Mexico?

1519

Which empire did Hernando Cortes encounter upon arriving in Mexico?

The Aztec Empire

What was the capital of the Aztec Empire?

Tenochtitlan (present-day Mexico City)

How did Cortes describe Tenochtitlan compared to Barcelona?

More wealthy and bustling

What years did Cortes lead the conquest of the Aztec Empire?

1519-1521

What disease significantly impacted the Aztec Empire during Cortes' conquest?

Smallpox

What strategy did Cortes use to gain support during the conquest of the Aztec Empire?

Alliances with tributary states

What type of tactics did Cortes employ during the conquest of the Aztec Empire?

Brutal tactics

What technological advantage did Cortes have during the conquest of the Aztec Empire?

Superior technology

1521

Cortes completes the conquest of the Aztec Empire

What year did Francisco Pizarro begin the conquest of the Inca Empire?

1532

What empire did Francisco Pizarro conquer?

The Inca Empire

What was the primary source of wealth for the Inca Empire?

Silver

What years did the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire take place?

1532-1572

In what year was the Inca Empire finally subdued?

1572

Who was a key figure in the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire?

Pizarro

Did Pizarro lead the entire conquest of the Inca Empire?

No

What system did the Spanish establish to force Native Americans to work in fields after the conquest?

Encomiendas

What was the initial focus of the Spanish in the Americas?

Extracting gold and silver

What did the Spanish shift to after their initial focus on gold and silver?

Agricultural production using native labor

Who began advocating for better treatment of Native Americans and their conversion to Christianity?

Bartolome de las Casas

Which institution began taking more control of the Spanish colonies, backed by the Pope?

The Spanish Catholic Church

What were set up by the Spanish Catholic Church to convert Native Americans and farm lands?

Missions

What methods were often used for forced conversions to Christianity?

Death threats

What year was the first permanent white settlement established in the present-day United States?

1565

What is the name of the first permanent white settlement in the present-day United States?

St. Augustine, Florida

What type of mission was established at St. Augustine, Florida in 1565?

Spanish Catholic mission

Who led an expedition throughout the southeastern part of what is now the United States in the 16th Century?

Hernando De Soto

What was Hernando De Soto hoping to find during his expedition?

Gold

What impact did De Soto's expedition have on Native American populations?

It spread disease.

What happened to Hernando De Soto during the expedition?

He was killed by Native Americans.

What did De Soto's men continue to try to find after his death?

A way to the ocean.

Which regions did the Spanish expand their influence into in the US Southwest?

New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, and California

What types of establishments did the Spanish create in the US Southwest?

Missions and ranches

Which indigenous peoples are prominent in the US Southwest?

Pueblo peoples

What was the outcome of the Pueblo Revolt?

The Pueblos successfully revolted against the Spanish, expelling them from their territory for 10 years.

What makes the Pueblo Revolt significant in North American history?

It is considered the most successful Indigenous revolt in North America.

What agreement did the Spanish make upon returning to the Pueblo area after the revolt?

They agreed to be less harsh with religion and other practices.

Who was Hernando Cortes?

A Spanish conquistador.

What empire did Hernando Cortes lead the conquest of?

The Aztec Empire.

How did Hernando Cortes rise to wealth?

He rose from poverty to become wealthy through conquest.

How is Hernando Cortes often described in relation to Native Americans?

He is described as cruel and brutal in his treatment of Native Americans.

Who was Francisco Pizarro?

A Spanish conquistador.

What empire did Francisco Pizarro lead the initial conquest of?

The Inca Empire.

What resource did Francisco Pizarro profit greatly from?

Silver from the Inca Empire.

What is Francisco Pizarro known for in relation to wealth?

He is known for extreme wealth derived from conquest.

Who was Bartolome de las Casas?

A Spanish priest.

What did Bartolome de las Casas witness that appalled him?

The cruelty inflicted on Native Americans by the Spanish.

What did Bartolome de las Casas advocate for regarding Native Americans?

Better treatment and conversion to Christianity.

Who did Bartolome de las Casas convince of the need to consider Native Americans' souls?

The Pope.