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