Key Concepts of Early American History

These flashcards cover key figures, concepts, and events from early American history, providing a foundational understanding for students preparing for their exam.

Who founded the Iroquois Confederacy?

Hiawatha

What sparked the Protestant Reformation?

Martin Luther's '95 Theses' condemning corruption in the Roman Catholic Church.

Who was the first European to reach India by sea?

Vasco de Gama.

Which Spanish conquistador led the fall of the Aztec Empire?

Hernán Cortés.

What was the capital of the Aztec Empire?

Tenochtitlan, now Mexico City.

What kind of society did the Pueblo tribes have?

They were settled farmers who built advanced irrigation systems.

What was the Great Plains inhabitants' primary lifestyle?

Nomadic hunter-gatherers hunting buffalo.

What economic system replaced feudalism in Europe due to the influx of wealth from the Americas?

Capitalism.

What was the significance of the Columbian Exchange?

It facilitated the transfer of crops, animals, and diseases between the Old and New Worlds.

What was the encomienda system introduced by the Spanish?

A system that forced Native Americans to work on Spanish lands.

What was the casta system developed by the Spanish?

A social hierarchy that categorized people based on ethnicity and ancestry.

Who were the Pilgrims, and why did they arrive in Plymouth?

They came on the Mayflower seeking to leave the Church of England.

What was Bacon's Rebellion, and why did it occur?

A rebellion led by Nathaniel Bacon against Governor Sir William Berkeley over disputes regarding Native protection.

What was the primary goal of the Pequot War?

To expel Europeans from Native lands.

What does 'Triangular Trade' refer to?

The trade system connecting Europe, Africa, and the Americas for commodities, slaves, and goods.

What was the main cash crop economy in the British West Indies?

Sugar.

What was the Enlightenment's influence on early American settlers?

It inspired new ideas about faith and governance, leading to movements like the First Great Awakening.