APUSH 1 - Pg. 4-13 (Ch. 1: New World Beginnings)

What was Pangea?

A large continent that drifted apart over time, creating the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

What geological feature is undergirded by ancient rock in North America?

The Canadian Shield.

What significant climatic event occurred 2 million years ago that affected North America?

The Great Ice Age, which froze over Canada and parts of America.

How did glaciers transform the geography of America?

Melting glaciers changed the landscape, forming features like the Rockies and Great Lakes.

What land bridge was unveiled during the Ice Age, and who used it?

A land bridge that allowed Asian hunters to migrate into the Americas.

What happened to the land bridge after the Ice Age?

It disappeared, leading to separation and reduced immigration.

What advanced civilizations existed in the Americas before European contact?

The Incas in Peru, Mayans in Central America, and Aztecs in Mexico.

What staple crop significantly influenced the development of civilizations in the Americas?

Corn.

What is 'Three Sisters' farming?

A method of growing squash, beans, and corn together to retain soil moisture.

What roles did men and women typically have in Native American societies?

Women tended to crops while men hunted.

How did Native Americans view nature?

They related it to spiritual and religious elements.

What was the nature of European discovery of the New World?

It was largely accidental, as Europeans were unaware of the Americas.

What motivated Europeans to seek new trade routes?

The desire for rare spices, silk, and sugar from Asia.

Who inspired European exploration and expansion?

Marco Polo.

What was the significance of Africa in European expansion?

Africa had abundant gold and was a key area for trade.

What system did the Portuguese establish in Africa?

Trading posts along the African coast for gold.

How did slavery evolve during the period of European expansion?

It grew as slaves began working on plantations, disrupting African communities.

What was the impact of the Portuguese on the African coast?

They expanded control over more land and initiated the plantation system.

What was Spain's motivation for exploration during this period?

To compete with Portugal and expand westward.

What was the outcome of the decline of certain Native American civilizations by 1300 C.E.?

Many civilizations, like the Mound Builders and Mississippian culture, fell into decline.

How did Europeans view their long-distance trade routes?

They were essential for acquiring spices and materials desired from Asia.

What did the Europeans' maps look like before discovering the New World?

They appeared strange and inaccurate, as Europeans had no knowledge of the Americas.