Unit 1: AP US History

Describe some of the features of the Native American cultures and societal features the Europeans encountered.

Irrigation, trade networks, large structures, populated cities, roads and bridges.

Explain why Europeans thought that the Native Americans were “backward” and therefore Europeans were “justified” in conquest.

Native Americans laced technology such as metal tools, machines, gunpowder, long distance shipping and many other things Europeans had mastered.

Describe some of the developments of the early civilizations, north of Mexico;

large mounds, evidence of trading (copper and flint)

Describe how the Indians living in Eastern North America were different from the Aztecs and Incas of Central and South America.

smaller tribes, more scattered, some agriculture and hunting.  Little central authority

Why did some tribes create confederations?

Create peace and stability

What was the biggest feature of North American Native Americans?

their diversity - language, customs, religions, political systems, etc.  

What are some commonalities among Native American religious characteristics?

Spiritual power filled the world, ceremonies related to farming and hunting - animism.

Describe Native American views on land and property

Land was a common resource for people to use. People do not necessarily own land

Describe Native Americans views on material goods and social distinctions 

Few devoted to accumulation of wealth. Leaders lived better than average, but shared goods. Some had rigid social distinctions, and used ceremonial gift exchange

Describe how most Indian societies were different from European societies.

Most were matrilineal - centered kinship based on the mother’s family. Tribal leaders were men, often women helped to select leaders. Men were hunters, women took on household duties and agricultural

Describe how Europeans tended to view the Native Americans.  Why did they feel this way?

Initially as Noble Savages. Eventually barbaric - religion, land use and gender relations.

What happened in 1405 - 1435?

Admiral Zheng He led seven naval expeditions in the Indian Ocean

How did China and Portugal pursue navigation?

The both explored the Atlantic Ocean

What creations helped improve navigation?

The caravel, compass, and quadrant

What did navigation tools allow Portuguese sailors to do?

Portuguese sailors were able to sail all the way to the coast of Africa and back to Portugal

What the Portuguese searching for in their exploration?

Gold

Caravel

Ship built for long distance travel

What did the Portuguese do once they got to West Africa?

They established trading posts

What happened as the Portuguese began to gain profits?

Other European powers began to build trading posts

Where else did Portugal begin to colonize?

Madeira, The Azores, and the Canary and Cape Verde Islands

What did Portugal build on islands where they had African Slaves?

They began to build plantations