Module 1 Study Guide: APUSH Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards derived from the APUSH Module 1 Study Guide covering European exploration, the Columbian Exchange, and colonial social structures.

American Indian Tribes

Numerous, diverse, and complex indigenous groups, some of which were matrilineal, hunter-gatherers, lived in permanent villages, or supported themselves using horticulture or ocean resources.

Caravel

A new technological innovation that served as one of the primary causes of European exploration.

Astrolabe

A new technological tool that enabled and drove European exploration.

Columbian Exchange

The process that brought new crops and mineral wealth to Europe from the Americas, stimulating European population growth, while bringing new crops, animals, and devastating deadly epidemics to native populations in the Americas.

Encomienda System

A Spanish colonial economy led by encomenderos that allowed Europeans to demand tribute and labor from indigenous populations on land tracts granted to them by the Crown.

Encomenderos

Spanish colonial landowners who led the encomienda system and demanded tribute and labor from indigenous populations.

Spanish Caste System

A racial hierarchy in Spanish colonies that incorporated Europeans, Africans, and Native Americans, placing Europeans at the top, mixed races in the middle, and natives and slaves at the bottom.

Syncretism

The mixing of different cultural and religious traditions, such as the blending of traditional native practices with introduced Christianity (Catholicism).

European View of American Indians

The perspective that European culture was superior over indigenous cultures and that God had granted Europeans the land and control over the "heathens" to civilize them.

First Americans

The ————————- arrived from Asia 25,000 years ago.

Desired Imports from Asia

100 Europeans sought spices and manufactured goods (porcelain, silk, etc.) from China and India.

Columbian Exchange

The term for the transfer of diseases, plants, people, ideas, animals, and resources between the Atlantic continents. Pigs, cattle, chickens, horses.

Encomienda System

Created by Columbus, it allowed Europeans to receive land and all labor from unpaid Americans on the land.

Description of American Indian Tribes

The most used phrase to describe ——————— prior to European presence is 'diverse and complex'.

Technologies of Exploration

Astrolabe and caravel were new technologies that allowed Portugal to be the first country to send explorative voyages.

European Exploratory Countries

After Spain and Portugal, the countries that also sent explorative voyages to claim land in the Americas are England, France, and the Netherlands.

Conquistadors' Success Factors

Cortes and Pizarro captured American empires with guns and germs, leading to Spanish access to gold and silver.

American Indian Agriculture

sustained themselves through horticulture.

Bartolomeau Dias

was the first man to sail around the Cape of Good Hope.

The Great Dying"

describes the event aided as much by germs as by guns when Europeans met American Indian tribes.

Spanish Caste System Groups

The Spanish caste system included Spanish-born, American-born, American Indians, and African slaves.

Aztecs

The ——————- were known for using chinampas.

Event Leading to Spanish Exploration

The Spanish Inquisition, particularly the marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella, allowed Spain to join Portugal in sending explorative voyages.

Positive Effects of the Columbian Exchange

Americans provided nutrient-rich foods to Europe, while Europeans gave America animals such as pigs, cattle, chickens, and horses.

Missionary

Efforts to convert natives to Catholicism were mostly led by Franciscan missionaries.

Iroquois Women's Roles

Women in the Iroquois tribe had higher roles in society, reflecting a matrilineal structure.

The Requerimiento.

The Spanish monarchy worked with the pope to take land from the Americans.

Labor Demand Increase

The demand for labor increased dramatically due to land being used for sugar plantations and cash crops.

Failure of 'Civilization' Efforts

The movement to 'civilize' American Indians was mostly unsuccessful, leading to lots of rebellions and resistance to Europeans.