Unit 1 (1491-1607)

Native American Regions

Southwest, Northwest, Great Plains, Eastern Woodlands

Gold, Glory, God

Motivations for European exploration: spread Christianity, gain wealth, and achieve personal/national prestige.

Columbian Exchange

Widespread transfer of plants, animals, people, diseases, and ideas between the Old and New Worlds.

Encomienda System

Spanish labor system that granted colonists authority over Indigenous labor.

Spanish Mission System

Network of religious outposts to convert Native Americans to Christianity and expand Spanish control.

Hernán Cortés

Spanish conquistador who led the expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire.

Bartolome de Las Casas

Spanish priest who advocated for Native American rights and criticized Spanish mistreatment.