Unit 1.1: Native American Cultures – Pre-1492

A set of practice flashcards covering pre-1492 Native American cultures, regional lifestyles, effects of European contact, and the Columbian Exchange.

How did the First Americans arrive in the Americas before 1492?

They crossed via the Bering Strait land bridge from Asia.

What are key features of Meso-American Tribes mentioned in the notes?

Irrigation and water storage; written language (hieroglyphics); elaborate culture; systems of government and social classes; achievements in science and mathematics.

Who were the Anasazi and what were they known for in the Southwest?

Pueblo Indians in Arizona and New Mexico; known for irrigation canals to grow crops (maize & beans) and cliff dwellings.

How were Northeast Native Americans organized?

Into small clans ruled by a chief or clan elder; hunting and gathering; some permanent settlements; men hunted while women farmed.

Why were Plains Indians nomadic?

Because of the aridity of the plains.

Which crops did Plains Indians rely on?

Maize (corn), beans, and squash.

What activities were practiced by California Native Americans?

Hunting and farming.

What was a positive effect of European contact for some Native Americans?

The introduction of horses increased mobility and hunting efficiency.

What were two major negative effects of European colonization on Native Americans?

Diseases decimated populations; tribes were pressured to adopt European ways and became dependent on fur traders.

Name a similarity between Native Americans and European settlers.

Both groups lived in village communities.

Name another similarity between Native Americans and European settlers.

Both shared a strong sense of spirituality.

Name another similarity between Native Americans and European settlers.

Both divided labor by gender.

Name another similarity between Native Americans and European settlers.

Both depended on agricultural economies.

What is the Columbian Exchange?

The transfer of goods, ideas, and diseases across the Atlantic between the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia.

What was an impact of the Columbian Exchange on the Americas?

Diseases drastically reduced Native populations; livestock and guns changed hunting and warfare.

What was an impact of the Columbian Exchange on Europe?

New crops (e.g., potatoes and maize) increased population and wealth, contributing to capitalism and the decline of feudalism.

Name three crops that moved from North America to Europe during the Columbian Exchange.

Potato, maize (corn), and beans.

Name two crops that moved from Europe to the Americas during the Columbian Exchange.

Wheat and rice.

Which animal moved to the Americas from Europe and transformed many Native cultures?

Horse.

Name three diseases that spread to the Americas as part of the Columbian Exchange.

Smallpox, influenza, typhus (also measles, malaria, diphtheria, whooping cough).

Which region is noted for fishing in the notes?

Northeast.