Unit 8: Connecting Hemispheres Vocabulary

Unit 8 vocabulary flashcards covering New World Civilizations and the Age of Exploration, including important terms, people, and concepts.

Beringia

A land bridge that connected Asia and North America during the Ice Age.

Ice Age

A long period of cold climate when glaciers covered much of Earth.

Mesoamerica

A region in present-day Mexico and Central America where advanced civilizations developed.

Maize

Corn; a major crop grown by civilizations in the Americas.

Chinampas

Floating gardens built by the Aztecs for farming.

Terrace Farming

Farming on steps cut into hills or mountains.

Quipu

A system of knotted cords used by the Inca to keep records.

Glyphs

Picture-like symbols used in writing systems.

Codex

A folded book or manuscript used to record information.

Potlatch

A ceremonial feast where gifts were exchanged.

Totem

A carved symbol representing family heritage or beliefs.

City-state

An independent city with its own government.

Tribute

Payments made by conquered people to rulers.

Ayllu

A family-based community group in the Inca Empire.

Mita

A labor system requiring citizens to work for the government.

Triple Alliance

The alliance that formed the Aztec Empire.

Calendar System

A method used to track time and seasons.

Pyramids

Large structures used for religion and ceremonies.

Ritual Sacrifice

Religious ceremonies involving offerings to gods.

Road System

A network of roads connecting parts of an empire.

Treaty of Tordesillas

An agreement dividing newly discovered lands between Spain and Portugal.

Columbian Exchange

The exchange of plants, animals, diseases, and ideas between Europe and the Americas.

Mercantilism

An economic system where colonies existed to benefit the mother country.

Balance of Trade

The difference between exports and imports.

Capitalism

An economic system based on private ownership and profit.

Joint-Stock Company

A business owned by investors who share profits and risks.

Encomienda

A Spanish labor system forcing Native Americans to work.

Viceroy

A ruler governing colonies for a king or queen.

Conquistador

A Spanish conqueror in the Americas.

Plantation

A large farm growing cash crops with forced labor.

Triangular Trade

A trade network connecting Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Middle Passage

The voyage transporting enslaved Africans across the Atlantic Ocean.

Christopher Columbus

Explorer who connected Europe and the Americas in 1492.

Hernán Cortés

Spanish conquistador who conquered the Aztec Empire.

Francisco Pizarro

Spanish conquistador who conquered the Inca Empire.

Atahualpa

The last Inca emperor before Spanish conquest.

Montezuma II

Aztec ruler during the arrival of Cortés.

Bartolomé de Las Casas

Priest who defended Native Americans against Spanish abuse.

Ferdinand Magellan

Explorer whose expedition first circumnavigated the world.

Sir Francis Drake

English explorer and second person to sail around the world.

Henry Hudson

Explorer who searched for a Northwest Passage and explored North America.