Period 1 APUSH

What is the Columbian Exchange?

The Columbian Exchange refers to the widespread transfer of plants, animals, goods, and ideas between the Americas and the Old World following Christopher Columbus's voyages.

What were the primary motivations for European exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries?

The primary motivations included the pursuit of new trade routes, the spread of Christianity, and the desire for wealth and territorial expansion.

What is mercantilism?

Mercantilism is an economic theory that emphasizes the role of the state in managing the economy, promoting exports, and accumulating precious metals to strengthen national power.

What impact did the Spanish conquistadors have on Native American populations?

The Spanish conquistadors led to significant population declines among Native Americans due to warfare, enslavement, and diseases brought from Europe

What were the consequences of the Columbian Exchange on Europe?

The Columbian Exchange introduced new crops and livestock to Europe, leading to agricultural changes, population growth, and increased trade.

How did the Age of Exploration affect the African continent?

The Age of Exploration led to the transatlantic slave trade, with millions of Africans forcibly taken to the Americas, resulting in demographic and cultural shifts.

Who were the key players in the Spanish exploration of the Americas?

Key players included Christopher Columbus, Hernán Cortés, and Francisco Pizarro, who significantly impacted the native populations and established Spanish colonies.

What role did technology play in the Age of Exploration?

Technological advancements, such as the compass, astrolabe, and improved ship designs, enabled longer and more accurate sea voyages.

What were the effects of European colonization on indigenous cultures?

European colonization often resulted in the loss of land, disruption of social structures, and economic exploitation of indigenous cultures.

What is the transatlantic slave trade?

The transatlantic slave trade was the forced transportation of millions of Africans to the Americas, where they were enslaved and exploited for labor.

What were the effects of the transatlantic slave trade on Africa?

The transatlantic slave trade resulted in significant population loss, social disruption, and economic challenges in many African societies.

What was the purpose of the Spanish missions in the Americas?

The Spanish missions aimed to convert Indigenous peoples to Christianity and to integrate them into colonial society.

What is the significance of the Treaty of Tordesillas?

The Treaty of Tordesillas, signed in 1494, divided newly discovered lands outside Europe between Spain and Portugal, influencing colonial claims.

How did the Columbian Exchange affect global diets?

The Columbian Exchange introduced new crops and foods to various parts of the world, significantly altering and diversifying global diets.

What was the impact of European diseases on Native American populations during the Columbian Exchange?

European diseases such as smallpox and measles devastated Native American populations, leading to significant mortality and community disruptions.

How did the Age of Exploration lead to competition among European powers?

The Age of Exploration spurred competition among European powers for territorial claims, trade routes, and resources, leading to conflicts and rivalries.

What were the agricultural effects of the Columbian Exchange on the Americas?

The Columbian Exchange introduced new crops, such as wheat and sugar, to the Americas, transforming agricultural practices and economies.

Who were the Indigenous groups significantly affected by Spanish colonization in the Americas?

Indigenous groups such as the Aztecs and Incas were significantly affected by Spanish colonization, facing conquest and cultural disruption.

What role did the Atlantic Ocean play during the Age of Exploration?

The Atlantic Ocean served as a critical route for exploration, trade, and the transatlantic slave trade, connecting Europe, Africa, and the Americas.