U.S. History to 1877 Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key concepts from U.S. History to 1877, including major historical events, cultural practices, and indigenous peoples.

What did European mapmakers refer to the New World as in honor of Amerigo Vespucci?

America

What is the time frame for the presence of humans in the Western Hemisphere prior to European arrival?

15,000 years

What kind of lifestyle did Paleo-Indians have?

Nomadic lifestyle; hunters of mega fauna.

What were Archaic Indians known for?

Descendants of Paleo-Indians, hunters and gatherers, traders, and semi-nomadic lifestyle.

What concept describes the interconnectedness of natural and supernatural worlds in Native American beliefs?

Animism

What significant agricultural advancement occurred around 4,000 years ago?

People began to depend on agriculture while continuing hunting and gathering.

What was the cultural diversity among Native American peoples attributed to?

Adaptations to their natural and social environment.

What was the significance of the mound-building cultures like Cahokia?

They represent complex societies with large populations and sophisticated trade networks.

How many spoken languages were present in the Western Hemisphere at the time of European arrival?

As many as 372 spoken languages.

What is the historical significance of Tenochtitlan?

It was the Mexica capital and a large empire in central Mexico.