Unit 1 - Period 1: 1491 - 1607 (1.1)

Impact of Columbus's first voyage

Initiated lasting contact between people on opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean, marking a turning point in world history.

Impact of the Jamestown settlement

Marked the beginning of the framework of a new nation in the Americas.

Describe the cultural diversity in the Americas

Varied greatly due to differences in geography and climate; cultures developed different traits in response to their environments.

Motive for exploration

Reasons for European exploration included competition for land, desire to spread Christianity, and pursuit of wealth.

God, Gold, and Glory

The main motivations for exploration among European explorers.

Columbian Exchange

Transatlantic exchange of animals, plants, and germs that significantly changed life for people globally.

Impact of European exploration on Native American populations

The population of native people declined by 90% within a century after Europeans arrived.

Enslaved Africans

Kidnapped and brought to the Americas by Europeans to work in mines and on plantations.

Describe establishment of European Colonies

Created by Spanish and Portuguese explorers, depended on native peoples and enslaved Africans for labor.

Irrigation systems

Developed by Native Americans in dry regions to support agriculture.

Crops introduced to Europe

Corn (maize), potatoes, and tomatoes were among the crops from the Americas that changed European diets.