Untitled Flashcards Set

Christopher Columbus

Reached the New World in 1492, landing on the island of Hispaniola.

Conquistador

Spanish conquerors, such as Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizarro, who led the expeditions to conquer the Americas.

Hernán Cortés

Landed in Mexico in 1519 and conquered the Aztec Empire.

Montezuma II

Aztec ruler who believed Cortés was a god, leading to the downfall of the Aztec Empire.

Atahualpa

Incan ruler who was kidnapped and killed by Francisco Pizarro.

Encomienda system

A system where Spanish settlers were granted land and the labor of Native Americans.

Spanish Influence in America

Included the creation of universities, cultural exchange, and gaining wealth and international influence.

Northwest Passage

Explorers sought a route to Asia through North America.

New France

Refers to modern-day Canada, particularly Quebec, founded by French explorers.

Jacques Cartier

Discovered the St. Lawrence River in 1534.

Fur trade

Became more popular than farming in New France.

Plymouth Colony

Established in 1620, it was governed by the Mayflower Compact.

Seven Years' War

Also known as the French and Indian War, a conflict between England and France for control of North America.

Battle of the Plains of Abraham

A pivotal battle in 1759 where French forces were defeated.

Treaty of Paris (1763)

Resulted in France losing all land east of the Mississippi River to the UK.

Cajun (Acadian)

Refers to the displaced French settlers in Nova Scotia by the UK.

Columbian Exchange

The global transfer of foods, plants, and animals during the colonization of the Americas.