AP US History Unit 1 Concepts (1491-1607) Flashcards

Flashcards derived from Unit 1 study guide covering European conquest, Native American interactions, the Columbian Exchange, Spanish growth, and trade systems from 1491 to 1607.

What time period is covered in Unit 1 of the study guide?

1491-1607

Why did the population in North America rapidly decrease once the contact period began in 1492?

Europeans brought new diseases to the Americas, and the original inhabitants had no way of biologically defending themselves.

How was race viewed in the social hierarchy of the New World during European colonization?

Europeans were viewed as the top hierarchy or pinnacle, while Native Americans and later Africans were viewed as lesser and used as slaves.

How did early inhabitants initially migrate to the Americas?

They migrated through the Bering Strait when Siberians ventured southward and eastward.

How did American Indians view their relationship with nature?

They viewed nature as omnipotent and ubiquitous, believing it could not be interfered with or changed, described as a 'Daoism; it's all around us' kind of belief.

What military and physical disadvantages did American Indians face against European conquerors?

They were outgunned in weaponry and military power, and they lacked proper protection from weapons and European diseases alike.

How did Europeans rationalize their sense of 'supremacy' and conquest over American Indians?

They conquered them to colonize and assimilate indigenous culture, framing it as bringing a new age of science, technology, and warfare.

What new ship did the Portuguese develop that enabled maritime exploration into the Atlantic?

The Caravel, which was originally used to explore Western Africa.

They were used as slave trade hubs.

What primary function did Atlantic islands near Africa serve for Europeans prior to American colonization?

What were Christopher Columbus's original motivations, and what occurred when he reached Hispaniola?

His original intent was to establish trade with Asia. Upon discovering Hispaniola, he colonized it immediately and enslaved and killed the native Tainos (Arawaks).

Why were native populations in the New World far more susceptible to European pathogens?

Afroeurasia was a very dense space where many diseases developed, whereas the less dense New World population lacked prior exposure and immunity.

What was the 'Black Legend' and who spread it?

It was the concept that the Spanish were uniquely brutal and cruel to indigenous Americans. Spain's enemies, the English and Dutch, spread this information to make their own colonization methods seem better or more wholesome.

How did Hernan Cortes conquer the Aztecs?

He led a revolution of many people against the Aztecs, who were exponentially outgunned.

What role did military institutions like the adelantado, hidalgo, encomienda, and hacienda play in Spanish colonization?

They functioned as military governments stationed in the Americas to suppress indigenous revolts and rebellions.

How did the Spanish run their colonies economically, and what effect did it have in Europe?

They operated mines rich in silver and gold to import back to Europe, which made Spain extremely wealthy but triggered a widespread economic crisis.

What were the objectives and consequences of the expeditions led by Hernando de Soto and Francisco Vasquez de Coronado?

They were searching for gold (precious metals) or new cities. Initial native cooperation turned into resistance, resulting in widespread disease and death.

How did Franciscan missionaries attempt to Christianize American Indians, and how did the Indians respond?

They forced American Indians into church and Christian practices; the American Indians rebelled strongly against this forced religion.

What were the causes, events, and long-term effects of the Pueblo Revolt?

Led by Pope in New Mexico, Pueblo fighters attacked Spanish settlements because the Spanish took land, forced religious tribute, and destroyed sacred objects. They drove the Spanish out for about twelve years, temporarily restoring Pueblo independence and forcing returned Spanish colonizers to show greater tolerance toward Pueblo religious traditions.

How did French colonization and fur trading compare to Spanish methods?

The French established fur trade with Native Americans without using the brutal and greedy colonization methods employed by the Spanish.

Where was New Netherland established, and how did Dutch trade impact French trade?

The Dutch established New Netherland along the Hudson River Valley, becoming major trading partners and fierce commercial rivals with the French.