Learn: Early American History & Columbian Exchange | Quizlet

What was Cahokia?

Cahokia was one of the largest Native American cities before European contact, supporting about 20,000-40,000 people.

Where was Cahokia located?

In the Mississippi River Valley, near present-day St. Louis, Missouri.

What does Cahokia show about Native Americans before European contact?

It shows they had complex civilizations with large cities, trade networks, agriculture, and advanced geometry/astronomy.

What was Woodhenge?

A circle of tall wooden poles that aligned with the sun during equinoxes and solstices, showing advanced astronomical knowledge.

What environmental problems contributed to Cahokia's decline?

Soil depletion and deforestation from lost fertility and clearing forests for fuel and construction.

What is Acoma?

An ancient Pueblo village located on a high mesa in the desert of New Mexico.

Why is Acoma historically significant?

It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the US, with dwellings dating to the 12th century.

What was wrong with the idea of an 'empty continent'?

North America was home to millions of Native Americans in diverse, complex societies.

Did all Native Americans live the same way before European contact?

No, they lived in diverse environments and developed varying cultures, economies, and political systems.

What was the Columbian Exchange?

The exchange of plants, animals, diseases, people, and goods between the Old and New Worlds after European contact.

What areas made up the Old World?

Europe, Africa, and Asia.

What areas made up the New World?

North America, South America, and the Caribbean.

What crops traveled from the Old World to the Americas?

Wheat, barley, rice, and turnips.

What crops traveled from the Americas to the Old World?

Maize (corn), potatoes, sweet potatoes, and manioc.

What was one positive effect of the Columbian Exchange?

New crops increased food variety and supported global population growth.

What was one major negative effect of the Columbian Exchange?

European diseases, especially smallpox, devastated Native American populations.

Why were Native Americans especially vulnerable to European diseases?

They had little or no previous exposure, resulting in limited immunity.

Why was the Columbian Exchange so important?

It dramatically changed populations, economies, diets, environments, and societies of both worlds.

What was Columbus trying to accomplish when he sailed west?

To find a western sea route to Asia to gain access to valuable Asian goods and trade.

What were the three major motivations for European exploration?

God (spread Christianity), Gold (gain wealth), and Glory (increase power/prestige).

Why did European monarchs support exploration?

They wanted wealth, trade, resources, territory, and greater political power.

Why was Columbus's 'discovery' initially considered bad news for monarchs?

They wanted access to Asian goods and wealth, but Columbus had not found the expected route to Asia.

How did the Crusades contribute to European exploration?

They increased European contact with other regions and encouraged interest in trade and wealth.

How did the Reconquista contribute to exploration?

It unified Spain and strengthened the monarchy, allowing it to support overseas exploration by 1492.

Which major plantation crops contributed to the rise of the African slave trade?

Sugarcane and tobacco.

Why did plantation agriculture contribute to the growth of slavery?

Plantations required a large, intensive labor force, leading colonizers to rely on enslaved Africans.

Who was Bartolomé de las Casas?

A Spanish priest who strongly criticized the mistreatment and exploitation of Native Americans.

What book did Las Casas write and why?

A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies, to expose violence against Native Americans and urge the Spanish government to stop it.

What were some ways Spanish colonizers mistreated Native Americans?

Violence, forced labor, exploitation, torture, and killing under colonial rule.

Why was Las Casas's writing important outside Spain?

England used it to criticize Spanish colonialism, while Las Casas wanted Spain to recognize and change its abuse.