Unit 1: 1491-1607

Who were the 'Clovis' people?

One of the first civilizations in the Americas, established around 13,000 years ago, migrating from modern-day Siberia.

What period is known as the 'Archaic' period?

A period lasting around 5000 years, starting in 8000 BCE, marked by a transition to tools for fishing, gathering, and early farming.

Which early civilizations emerged in South and Central America?

The Incas, Mayans, and Mexica/Aztecs.

What was significant about the Inca Empire?

It was the largest empire in the Americas, stretching almost 2000 miles.

What advancements did the Mayans achieve?

They developed a written language, numerical system, and an accurate calendar.

What was Tenochtitlán?

The capital of the Mexica, built by combining various Meso-American tribes.

What characterized the civilizations of the North?

They relied on hunting, gathering, fishing, and farming, with large trading cities like Cahokia.

What was the peak population of Cahokia?

10,000 people.

What was the impact of the Agricultural Revolution?

It allowed for permanent settlements, population growth, and distinct gender roles.

Who was Prince Henry the Navigator?

A Portuguese prince who financed explorations along Africa's west coast.

What was Columbus's primary goal in his voyages?

To reach Asia by sailing west, but he miscalculated and landed in the Bahamas.

What was the outcome of Columbus's first voyage?

He landed in the Bahamas, Cuba, and South America, mistakenly believing he reached Asia.

What was the significance of Ferdinand Magellan's expedition?

His crew completed the first global circumnavigation despite his death.

How did Hernando Cortés defeat the Aztecs?

Through a combination of peaceful entry and the accidental introduction of smallpox.

What were the Ordinances of Discovery?

Laws that governed Spanish exploration and colonization, marking three periods: discovery, conquest, and colonization.

What was the Pueblo Revolt of 1680?

A rebellion driven by religious suppression and drought that killed hundreds of settlers and temporarily expelled the Spanish.

What was the demographic impact of European contact on indigenous populations?

It caused a catastrophic decline, with millions of indigenous people dying from diseases.

What was the role of Catholic missions in Spanish America?

Priests spread the Catholic Church across South/Central America and into the Southwest US.

What was the social structure of the Spanish Empire?

It implemented a rigid social hierarchy that evolved over time, prioritizing family wealth and status.

What led to the growth of the African slave trade in the 1500s?

The European demand for sugarcane drove massive expansion of the slave trade.

What characterized African societies in terms of lineage?

Many featured matrilineal structures where women dominated farming, trade, and domestic life.

What was the significance of the Mali Empire?

It emerged after Ghana's collapse around 1100 CE and was a major player in trade until the 1400s CE.

What was the impact of European diseases on Native Americans?

They led to widespread demographic catastrophe, wiping out millions of indigenous people.

What were some new crops introduced to Europe from the Americas?

Crops included potatoes, tomatoes, and maize, which transformed European agriculture.

What was the significance of the Spanish fort established at St. Augustine?

It became the first permanent European settlement in the US in 1565.

What was the role of the Spanish monarchy in the colonies?

It extended its authority to include colonists and imposed strict regulations on exports.

What was the relationship between European settlers and Native Americans?

It was characterized by exploitation, disease, and cultural exchanges, leading to a complex racial hierarchy.