APUSH Unit 1

Native American Diversity

Native American societies varied in lifestyle, from farming to hunting

Pueblo People

Native American group in Utah and Colorado known for farming maize, beans, and squash, with advanced irrigation and cliff dwellings.

Great Basin Nomads

Nomadic Native American groups in the Great Basin region, primarily hunter

Chumash People

Native American group in California known for building villages supporting large populations and engaging in trade networks.

Cahokia Civilization

Large Native American civilization in the Mississippi River Valley with a centralized government and extensive trade networks.

European Trade Routes

European kingdoms sought sea-based trade routes to Asia due to Muslim control over land routes, leading to maritime exploration.

Portuguese Maritime Advancements

Portugal's use of new maritime technology like updated charts, astrolabes, and ship designs for trade expansion.

Spanish Maritime Expansion

Spain's entry into maritime trade after the reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula, driven by economic opportunities and religious zeal.

Christopher Columbus

Italian explorer sponsored by Spain who sailed west across the Atlantic in 1492, aiming to find new wealth in Asian markets.

Columbian Exchange

Transfer of people, animals, plants, and diseases between hemispheres

San Salvador

Island in the Bahamas where Columbus landed, a major historical turning point

Potatoes

Food from the Americas introduced to Europe in the Columbian Exchange

Turkeys

Animal sent from the Americas to Europe in the Columbian Exchange

Gold and silver

Precious metals from the Americas transferred to Europe

Smallpox

Disease brought by Europeans to the Americas, devastating native populations

Feudalism

Pre-Columbian European societal system based on land ownership and protection

Capitalism

Economic system with private ownership and free exchange, influenced by Columbian Exchange

Joint stock company

Limited liability organization pooling investors' money for ventures

Spain

Major European player in the Americas, introduced the encomienda system

Encomienda system

Forced labor system in the Americas under Spanish control

Casta system

Social hierarchy based on racial ancestry introduced by Spain in the Americas

Peninsulares

Spaniards born in Spain, top of the casta system in the Americas

Mestizos

People of mixed Spanish and Native American ancestry in the casta system

Mulattos

People of mixed Spanish and African ancestry in the casta system

Bartolome de las Casas

Priest who defended native humanity and opposed slavery in the Americas

Ham's curse

Misinterpreted biblical justification for African slavery during colonization