Chapters 1 & 2 APUSH Vocab

Aztecs

• Mesoamerican civilization

• Ruled central Mexico from 14th to 16th century

• Capital city: Tenochtitlan

• Known for agriculture, trade, and human sacrifices

• Advanced in art, architecture, and writing system

• Conquered by Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés in 1521

Incas

Ancient civilization in South America. Known for their advanced agriculture, road systems, and architecture. Ruled by powerful emperors. Famous for their terraced farming and Machu Picchu. Conquered by Spanish conquistadors led by Francisco Pizarro in the 16th century.

Algonquians

Native American tribes inhabiting the northeastern United States and eastern Canada. Known for their skill in hunting, fishing, and farming.

Iroquois

Native American confederacy formed by Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca tribes in present-day northeastern United States. Known for their political structure, longhouses, and agricultural practices.

Powhatan

The leader of the Powhatan Confederacy, a Native American tribe in Virginia. He played a significant role in the early colonization of America, particularly during the time of the Jamestown settlement. He expected tribute from the British and discontent formed once his arrangement of John Rolfe’s and Pocahontas’s relationship went sour, resulting in the Powhatan War.

Iroquois Confedetation

Political alliance of Native American tribes in the northeastern region of North America. Formed in the 16th century, it consisted of the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca tribes. Later, the Tuscarora joined. Known for their Great Law of Peace, a constitution that established a democratic government with a council of chiefs.

Sachems

Leaders of Native American tribes in the Northeastern United States during colonial times. They were responsible for making decisions, resolving conflicts, and representing their tribe in negotiations with European settlers.

Anishinaabe

Indigenous people of North America, mainly in Canada and US. Rich cultural heritage, with traditional beliefs, language, and art. Known for their connection to the land and natural resources. They used birch canoes and made remarkable Native art.

Comanche

Native American tribe known for their expertise in horsemanship and fierce warrior culture. They were nomadic hunters and skilled in guerrilla warfare.

Sioux

They resided in the Great Plains region of North America. Skilled hunters and warriors, they lived in teepees and relied on buffalo for food, clothing, and shelter. They had a rich cultural heritage and were organized into three main groups: Dakota, Lakota, and Nakota.

Anasazi

Ancient Native American civilization that thrived in the southwestern United States from 200 to 1300 CE. Known for their impressive cliff dwellings and pottery.

Pueblos

Indigenous people of the Southwestern United States known for their adobe villages and agriculture. They have a rich cultural heritage and are known for their pottery, kachina dolls, and traditional dances.

Animists

Believe in the spiritual essence of non-human entities.

Tenochtitlan

Capital city of the Aztec Empire, located in present-day Mexico City. Known for its advanced urban planning, complex water management systems, and impressive architecture, including the Templo Mayor. Conquered by the Spanish in 1521 and later became the foundation for modern-day Mexico City.

Cuzco

Capital of the Inca Empire in Peru. Located in the Andes Mountains. Known for its impressive stone architecture and intricate road system.

Mississippi River Valley

Region in the United States known for its fertile soil and agricultural productivity. It is located in the central part of the country and is characterized by the presence of the Mississippi River, which serves as a major transportation route. The Mississippi River Valley is also home to diverse ecosystems and is an important habitat for various wildlife species.

Cahokia

Largest pre-Columbian Native American city located near present-day St. Louis. Flourished from 1050 to 1350 AD. Had massive earthen mounds, plazas, and a population of 10,000-20,000. Known for its advanced agricultural practices, trade networks, and complex social structure. Declined due to environmental factors and political instability.

Eastern Woodlands Region

Region in North America known for its dense forests and abundant water sources. Home to many Native American tribes, including the Iroquois and Algonquin. Known for their skill in hunting, fishing, and gathering. Diverse ecosystem supports a variety of plants and animals.

Mid-Atlantic Region

Region encompassing states like New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Washington D.C. Known for its diverse culture, historical significance, and economic importance.

Great Lakes Region

A group of five interconnected freshwater lakes located in North America, consisting of Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario. The region is known for its rich biodiversity, economic significance, and recreational opportunities.

Great Plains Region

• Geographical region in North America

• Located between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains

• Characterized by vast grasslands and few trees

• Home to Native American tribes like the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Pawnee

• Known for buffalo hunting and nomadic lifestyle

Great Basin Region

Vast arid region in western US, spanning Nevada, Utah, and parts of Oregon, California, and Idaho. Dominated by desert and mountains. Home to diverse ecosystems, including salt flats, sagebrush steppe, and alpine forests. Known for its unique hydrological characteristics, with most rivers draining into closed basins. Rich in mineral resources and historically inhabited by Native American tribes.

Chaco Canyon

Ancestral Puebloan settlement in New Mexico. Flourished between 850-1250 CE. Known for its impressive architecture and complex social organization. Served as a center for trade, religion, and cultural exchange. Abandoned in the 13th century. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

Green Corn Cereemony

A sacred ritual practiced by Native American tribes, particularly in the Southeastern United States. It marks the beginning of the new year and the harvest season. Participants gather to give thanks to the corn harvest and seek renewal and purification. It involves feasting, dancing, and communal activities to celebrate and honor the corn spirit.

Maize

Crop native to the Americas, cultivated by indigenous peoples. High in carbohydrates, used as a staple food. Also known as corn.

Tribute

A payment made by one nation to another as a sign of submission or acknowledgement of dominance.

Matriarchy

A social system where women hold primary power and leadership roles in society.

Serfs

Medieval laborers bound to the land they worked on. They were not free to leave or choose their occupation. Serfs owed labor and taxes to the lord of the manor in exchange for protection and land to cultivate. They formed the lowest social class in feudal society and had limited rights and freedoms.

Constantine

Roman emperor who ruled from 306 to 337 AD. Known for legalizing Christianity, establishing Constantinople as the new capital of the Roman Empire, and consolidating power within the empire.

Martin Luther

German theologian and key figure in the Protestant Reformation. Nailed the 95 Theses to the door of Wittenberg Castle Church in 1517, challenging the Catholic Church's practice of selling indulgences. Advocated for salvation by faith alone, translating the Bible into German for wider accessibility.

John Calvin

• Influential theologian during the Protestant Reformation

• Developed the theological system known as Calvinism

• Emphasized the sovereignty of God and predestination

• His teachings had a significant impact on Protestantism

• Wrote "Institutes of the Christian Religion" as a foundational work. Flashcard: John Calvin

Jesuits

Religious order founded by Ignatius of Loyola in 1534, known as the Society of Jesus. Dedicated to education, missionary work, and defending Catholicism. Played a significant role in the Counter-Reformation and spread of Christianity worldwide. Known for their intellectual rigor and commitment to social justice.

Crusades

A series of religious wars fought between Christians and Muslims in the Middle Ages, aimed at capturing the Holy Land (Jerusalem).

Protestant Reformation

16th-century religious movement in Europe that challenged the authority of the Catholic Church, led by Martin Luther and others. It resulted in the formation of new Christian denominations and the spread of Protestantism.

Counter Reformation

Effort by Catholic Church to respond to Protestant Reformation. Aimed to reform Church practices, combat heresy, and regain lost followers. Led to establishment of new religious orders, like Jesuits. Resulted in Council of Trent, which clarified Catholic doctrine and addressed corruption within the Church.

Patriarchy

Social system where men hold primary power and dominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property.

Primogeniture

Flashcard: "Primogeniture" - Inheritance law where the eldest son inherits the entire estate. Common in feudal societies, it limited inheritance rights of other siblings and favored the eldest male heir.

Republics

A form of government where power is held by the people and their elected representatives, who make decisions on behalf of the citizens.

Civic Humanism

Renaissance intellectual movement that emphasized active participation in civic life and the importance of education for creating virtuous and engaged citizens.

Hanseatic League

A medieval trade alliance formed by merchant guilds in Northern Europe. Promoted economic cooperation and protection of members' interests.

Sudanic Civilization

Flourishing civilization in Sub-Saharan Africa from 5th to 16th century. Known for their advanced agriculture, ironworking, and trade networks. Major cities include Ghana, Mali, and Songhai. Islam played a significant role in the region. Declined due to internal conflicts and external invasions.

Vassal

A vassal is a person who pledges loyalty and service to a lord in exchange for protection and land.

Mansa Musa

• Powerful ruler of the Mali Empire

• Richest person in history

• Made pilgrimage to Mecca, showcasing wealth

• Spread Islam and education in Mali

• Built famous mosques and universities

Ghana Empire

• Powerful West African kingdom

• Flourished from 4th to 13th century

• Located in present-day Mali and Mauritania

• Known for controlling trans-Saharan trade routes

• Wealth based on gold and salt trade

• Ruled by powerful kings

• Capital city was Kumbi Saleh

• Declined due to internal conflicts and invasions

• Influence on subsequent West African empires.

Mali Empire

• Powerful West African kingdom

• Ruled by Sundiata Keita

• Flourished from 1235 to 1670

• Known for its wealth and trade

• Timbuktu was a major cultural and intellectual center

• Mansa Musa, the famous ruler, made a pilgrimage to Mecca and showcased Mali's wealth

• Declined due to internal conflicts and external invasions

Songhai Empire

• One of the largest empires in West Africa

• Ruled from 1464 to 1591

• Centered around the Niger River

• Known for its strong military and skilled cavalry

• Flourished under the leadership of Sunni Ali and Askia Muhammad

• Major trading hub, especially for gold and salt

• Contributed to the spread of Islam in the region

• Declined due to internal conflicts and invasion by the Moroccan army in 1591

Gold Coast

British colonial name for present-day Ghana. It was named after the abundance of gold along the coast. The Gold Coast was a major center of trade and became a British colony in the late 19th century. It gained independence in 1957 and is now known as Ghana.

Bight of Benin

Coastal region in West Africa, located between Nigeria and Togo. Known for its rich biodiversity and important role in the transatlantic slave trade. Early site for slave trade

Pagan

Religious belief system that worships multiple deities and is often associated with nature and ancient traditions.

Christianity

• A monotheistic religion centered around the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

• Believes in the concept of salvation through faith in Jesus as the Son of God.

• Holy book is the Bible, consisting of the Old and New Testaments.

• Worship takes place in churches, with rituals such as baptism and communion.

• Major branches include Catholicism, Protestantism, and Eastern Orthodoxy.

Heresies

"Beliefs or opinions that contradict established religious teachings or doctrines, often leading to religious dissent or schisms."

Islam

• Monotheistic religion founded in 7th century

• Followers called Muslims

• Holy book is the Quran

• Five Pillars: Shahada, Salat, Zakat, Sawm, Hajj

• Worship in mosques

• Prophet Muhammad is central figure

• Spread from Arabian Peninsula to become global religion

Ferdinand and Isabella

Spanish monarchs who united the kingdoms of Aragon and Castile, creating modern Spain. They sponsored Christopher Columbus' voyage to the Americas in 1492.

Christopher Columbus

Explorer who sailed from Spain in 1492, seeking a western route to Asia. Accidentally discovered the Americas, opening up European colonization and trade with the New World.

Moctezuma

Powerful Aztec emperor during the time of Spanish conquest. Ruled over a vast empire in present-day Mexico. Known for his wealth and influence, but ultimately fell to Hernán Cortés and the Spanish conquistadors in 1520.

Francisco Pizarro

Spanish conquistador who led the expedition to conquer the Inca Empire in the 16th century. He captured the Inca emperor Atahualpa and established Spanish dominance in South America.

Atahualpa

• Last emperor of the Inca Empire

• Ruled from 1532 to 1533

• Captured and executed by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro

• His death marked the end of the Inca civilization and the beginning of Spanish colonization in South America.

Atlantic World

Region encompassing the western coast of Africa, extending from present-day Senegal to Angola. It was a major hub of the transatlantic slave trade, where millions of Africans were forcibly transported to the Americas. The Atlantic World also facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures between Europe, Africa, and the Americas during the Age of Exploration.

West Indies

Caribbean islands located in the Atlantic Ocean, southeast of North America. They include the Greater Antilles (Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico) and the Lesser Antilles (Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada). Known for their tropical climate, diverse cultures, and tourism industry.

Hispaniola

Caribbean island shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic. It was the site of Christopher Columbus' first landing in the Americas in 1492. The island was later colonized by the Spanish and became an important hub for trade and European expansion in the New World.

Conquered Brazil

Large South American country colonized by Portugal in the 16th century. It became independent in 1822. Known for its diverse culture, Amazon rainforest, and iconic landmarks like Christ the Redeemer.

Reconquista

The centuries-long military campaign by Christian kingdoms to recapture the Iberian Peninsula from Muslim rule.

Caravel

A type of ship used during the Age of Exploration. It was small, fast, and highly maneuverable, making it ideal for long-distance voyages. The caravel had a triangular lateen sail and could sail against the wind, allowing sailors to explore new trade routes and discover new lands.

Commodity

Definition: A raw material or product that can be bought, sold, or traded, typically used in commerce. Examples include oil, gold, wheat, and coffee.

Trans-Saharan Slave Trade

Trade network that operated across the Sahara Desert in Africa from the 7th to the 20th century. Involved the capture, transport, and sale of African people as slaves to North Africa and the Middle East. Contributed to the spread of Islam and the decline of African societies.

Diaspora

The scattering or dispersion of a group of people from their original homeland to different parts of the world.

Plantation System

Economic system in which large farms, called plantations, were established to cultivate cash crops such as tobacco, cotton, and sugar. Relied heavily on enslaved labor from Africa. Led to the expansion of European powers and the transatlantic slave trade.

Mestizos

People of mixed European and Indigenous American ancestry, commonly found in Latin America. Mestizos played a significant role in the colonial era, serving as a bridge between Indigenous cultures and European influences. They formed a new cultural identity and were often part of the emerging middle class.

Mulattos

Mixed-race individuals with one Black and one White parent. They often exhibit diverse physical features and can face challenges related to their racial identity.

Zambo

Zambo: A term used to refer to a person of mixed African and Indigenous American ancestry.

Henry VIII

King of England from 1509 to 1547. Known for his six marriages and the establishment of the Church of England. Dissolved monasteries and broke ties with the Catholic Church to divorce Catherine of Aragon

Phillip II

King of Spain from 1556-1598. Known for expanding Spanish influence and wealth through colonization and the Spanish Armada. His reign marked the height of the Spanish Golden Age and the consolidation of the Spanish Empire.

Elizabeth I

Queen of England from 1558 to 1603. Known as the "Virgin Queen" and the last monarch of the Tudor dynasty. Led England through the Elizabethan era, a period of cultural and economic growth. Defeated the Spanish Armada and established England as a major world power. Known for her intelligence, political savvy, and strong leadership.

Metis

A person that is mixed American Indian and Euro-American.

Tribute Colonies

Colonies established by ancient civilizations to extract resources and wealth from conquered territories. These colonies paid tribute, or taxes, to the ruling empire in exchange for protection and limited autonomy. They served as economic and political instruments for the dominant power.

Plantations Colonies

Colonies established by European powers in the Americas for large-scale agricultural production. Crops like tobacco, cotton, and sugar were grown on plantations. Enslaved Africans were forced to work on these plantations under harsh conditions. Plantation colonies played a significant role in the transatlantic slave trade and the development of global capitalism.

Neo-Europes

Colonial settlements in the Americas that aimed to replicate European culture. Established by European powers during the Age of Exploration.

Potosi

Location in present-day Bolivia known for its silver mines; one of the richest and most populous cities in the Americas during the Spanish colonial period.

Haciendas

Large Spanish colonial estates in the Americas, primarily in Mexico and South America. Haciendas were self-sufficient agricultural and livestock farms, owned by wealthy landowners. They played a significant role in the colonial economy and were worked by indigenous and enslaved laborers.

St. Augustine

City in Florida where Spain established the first lasting European post in North America in 1565.

Dutch Republic (Holland)

a 17th-century independent state in Europe. It was known for its maritime and economic power, as well as its religious tolerance. The Dutch Republic played a significant role in the Age of Exploration and the development of capitalism.

Columbian Exchange

The exchange of plants, animals, diseases, and ideas between the Old World (Europe, Africa, and Asia) and the New World (North and South America) during the 15th and 16th centuries. It had a profound impact on the global economy, culture, and ecology, leading to the spread of crops like potatoes and corn, the introduction of new diseases to native populations, and the establishment of European colonies in the Americas.

Chattel Slavery

A system where people are treated as property, bought and sold, and forced to work without pay. Primarily practiced in the Americas during the 16th to 19th centuries.

Encomiendas

System of labor and tribute in Spanish colonies during the 16th century. Indigenous people were forced to work for Spanish colonizers in exchange for protection and Christianization.

Caste System

A hierarchical social structure found in some societies, where individuals are born into specific social groups that determine their status, occupation, and privileges in society.

Syphillis

• Sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum

• Progresses through stages: primary (painless sores), secondary (rash, fever), latent (no symptoms), and tertiary (serious complications)

• Can be transmitted through sexual contact, sharing needles, or from an infected mother to her baby

• Symptoms can include sores, rash, fever, fatigue, and organ damage

• Can be treated with antibiotics if diagnosed early; untreated syphilis can lead to severe health problems

Church of England

established Christian church in England. It is headed by the reigning monarch, and the Archbishop of Canterbury is its spiritual leader. It follows a blend of Catholic and Protestant traditions. The Church of England plays a significant role in English society and has a hierarchical structure of bishops, clergy, and laity."

Sir Walter Raleigh

• English explorer, soldier, and writer

• Introduced tobacco to England

• Established colonies in North America

• Led expeditions to South America

• Executed for treason by King James I

James II

• English monarch from 1685 to 1688

• Catholic ruler who faced opposition due to religious differences

• Overthrown in the Glorious Revolution of 1688

• Replaced by William III and Mary II

• Known for his attempts to promote Catholicism in England

• Created Dominion of New England

John Rolfe

English settler in the early 17th century. He introduced tobacco cultivation in Virginia, leading to its economic success. Also married Pocahontas, daughter of a Native American chief, which helped improve relations between the settlers and the Powhatan tribe.

Pocahontas

Native American woman from the Powhatan tribe, famous for her role in the English settlement at Jamestown. She formed a bond with English colonist John Smith and helped establish peace between the settlers and her tribe. Her story has been romanticized in folklore and popular culture.

Opechancanough

Powhatan chief who led the Native American uprising against English settlers in Virginia in 1622 and 1644.

Charles I

• King of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1625 to 1649

• Faced conflicts with Parliament over taxation and religious policies

• Ignited the English Civil War by refusing to compromise with Parliament

• Executed in 1649, marking the end of the monarchy and the beginning of the Commonwealth

Lord Baltimore (Calvert)

Founder of Maryland colony in 1632, Lord Baltimore (Calvert) was granted the land by King Charles I. He established a haven for English Catholics and promoted religious tolerance.

Roanoke Island

• Location: Off the coast of present-day North Carolina.

• Settlement: Established by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1585.

• Disappearance: The colony mysteriously vanished by 1590.

• Lost Colony: Roanoke Island is often referred to as the "Lost Colony" due to the unsolved mystery of its disappearance.

• Historical Significance: The fate of the Roanoke Colony remains unknown and has intrigued historians for centuries.

Jamestown

First permanent English settlement in North America, established in 1607. Located in present-day Virginia. Founded by the Virginia Company of London. Experienced hardships, including starvation and conflicts with Native Americans. Played a significant role in the colonization of America and the development of the English colonies.

Maryland

One of the original 13 colonies, located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Founded in 1634 as a refuge for English Catholics, it became known for its religious tolerance. It played a significant role in the American Revolution and was home to the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which ended the Revolutionary War.

Chesapeake Bay

Largest estuary in the United States, located on the East Coast. It stretches over 200 miles and is fed by more than 150 rivers and streams. Known for its rich biodiversity, it serves as an important habitat for various species of plants and animals. Spurred by tobacco profits

Colonized Barbados

Barbados was colonized by the British in 1627. It became a major sugar-producing colony and relied heavily on enslaved African labor. It had a plantation-based economy and was known for its harsh treatment of slaves. Barbados gained independence from Britain in 1966 and is now a popular tourist destination in the Caribbean.

Indian War of 1622

Conflict between English settlers and Powhatan Confederacy in Virginia. Powhatan tribe attacked English settlements, killing 347 colonists. English retaliated, decimating Native American villages. War ended with a treaty, restricting Native American land and sovereignty.