Columbian Exchange and Latin American Civilization (Vocabulary)

Vocabulary flashcards covering core terms and concepts from the lecture notes on the Columbian Exchange, its ecological and demographic impacts, and the formation of Latin American civilization.

Columbian Exchange

Widespread transfer of plants, animals, diseases, and culture between the Old World (Europe, Asia, Africa) and the New World (the Americas) after 1492, transforming ecosystems and global life.

Old World

The continents of Europe, Asia, and Africa from which many crops, livestock, and diseases originated and were exchanged with the Americas.

New World

The Americas, where crops like maize (corn) and potatoes originated and later spread to the Old World, reshaping global economies and diets.

Maize (corn)

A hardy, high-yielding crop from the Americas that can grow in diverse soils and climates, significantly boosting food production.

Potato (tuber)

A underground-stored starch source from the Americas; highly productive and adaptable, contributing to food security and population growth.

Potable (as used in lecture)

Able to be stored for long periods of time.

Feast–famine cycle

A cycle of food abundance and scarcity driven by climate, crop storage challenges, and seasonal variability, affecting health and population.

Old World staples (examples)

Onions, lettuce, and okra (and other crops) introduced from the Old World to the Americas and integrated into diets.

Sugarcane

A major Old World cash crop whose plantation system in the Americas transformed global trade, economies, and diets; linked to sugar addiction.

Crabgrass

An Old World grass introduced to the Americas and used in landscaping; part of ecological changes after the exchange.

Public sphere

Spaces where people gather to discuss politics and society; coffeehouses and teahouses become centers of debate and sociopolitical engagement.

Coffeehouse/Teahouse

Establishments where coffee or tea are consumed, creating social spaces that foster public discussion and political exchange.

Public spaces (dynamics)

Sites of social interaction (like coffeehouses) that shape culture, politics, and daily life through regular gathering and discussion.

Hybrid Latin American civilization

A new, blended culture that emerges from Indigenous, African, and European (Spanish/Portuguese) influences in the Americas.

Three ancestors of Latin American civilization

Native American, African, and European (specifically Spanish/Portuguese) roots coalescing into a unique regional identity.

Conquistadors

Spanish explorers-soldiers who conquered large parts of the Americas, often using technology, alliances, and disease.

Hernán Cortés

Conquistador who led the expedition that toppled the Aztec Empire (early 16th century).

Francisco Pizarro

Conquistador who conquered the Inca Empire (early 16th century).

Reconquista

Hundreds-year Christian campaign to reclaim Iberia from Muslim rule, culminated in 1492 with the fall of Granada.

Council of the Indies

Spanish royal body that governed colonial policy from Spain, coordinating administration of the American empire.

Viceroyalty

A large territorial division governed by a viceroy on behalf of the Spanish Crown (e.g., New Spain, New Granada, Peru, Rio de la Plata).

Peninsulares

Spaniards born in Spain who held the highest offices in the colonial administration; intended to ensure loyalty to the Crown.

Creoles

People of European descent born in the Americas; often excluded from top political power but accumulated wealth and local influence.

El Dorado (myth)

The legendary city or land of immense wealth that motivated exploration and conquest in the Americas.

New Spain, New Granada, Peru, Rio de la Plata

The initial major Spanish viceroyalties established to govern vast territories in the Americas.

Lima and Cusco (administrative centers)

Key administrative hubs in the Andean region; Lima port linked to Madrid via a lengthy, multi-step imperial communication system.

Caravel/Carabels

Fast, maneuverable ships used by the Spanish to cross the Atlantic and explore or conquer new territories.

Indies/Spanish imperial governance

The broader imperial framework and administration (via viceroyalties and councils) used to control the American territories.