APUSH Period 1: Native Societies, European Exploration, and Columbian Exchange

What is the Unit Theme?

The meeting of Native American, European, and African societies transformed the Americas through cultural exchange, conflict, disease, and economic change, creating the foundation for future North American colonies.

How did geography influence Native American societies?

Geography influenced political systems, economic systems, religious beliefs, social organization, and technology among Native American societies.

What were the causes of European exploration?

The causes included Renaissance curiosity, the spread of Christianity, technological innovations, and competition among European nations.

What impact did Christopher Columbus have?

Christopher Columbus's voyages led to the widespread awareness of the Americas in Europe and initiated the Columbian Exchange.

What is the Columbian Exchange?

The Columbian Exchange refers to the transfer of plants, animals, culture, human populations, technology, and diseases between the Americas and the Old World following Columbus's voyages.

What were some exchanges from Europe/Africa to the Americas?

Examples include horses, cattle, wheat, sugar, smallpox, and measles.

What were some exchanges from the Americas to Europe/Africa?

Examples include corn, potatoes, tomatoes, tobacco, and beans.

What were the Spanish 'Three G' goals?

The goals were God (spread of Christianity), Gold (wealth), and Glory (national prestige).

What is the encomienda system?

The encomienda system was a labor system where Spanish colonists were granted the right to extract labor from indigenous peoples in exchange for protection and Christianization.

What is mercantilism?

Mercantilism is an economic theory that emphasizes the role of the state in managing the economy, particularly through regulation of trade and accumulation of wealth.

What is a conquistador?

A conquistador is a Spanish explorer and conqueror, particularly those who conquered territories in the Americas during the Age of Exploration.

What is a joint-stock company?

A joint-stock company is a business entity where different stocks can be bought and owned by shareholders, often used to fund colonial ventures.

What does the term mestizo refer to?

Mestizo refers to a person of mixed European and indigenous ancestry in Latin America.

What is animism?

Animism is the belief that objects, places, and creatures all possess a distinct spiritual essence.

What is polytheism?

Polytheism is the belief in or worship of multiple gods.

What does nomadic mean?

Nomadic refers to a lifestyle characterized by moving from place to place rather than settling permanently in one location.

What does sedentary mean?

Sedentary refers to a lifestyle characterized by staying in one place and establishing permanent settlements.

What is an epidemic?

An epidemic is a sudden increase in the number of cases of a disease above what is normally expected in a population.

What is chattel slavery?

Chattel slavery is a system where individuals are treated as personal property to be bought and sold.

What is the Atlantic World?

The Atlantic World refers to the historical and cultural connections between Europe, Africa, and the Americas during the Age of Exploration and colonization.

What is the significance of St. Augustine?

St. Augustine, founded in 1565, is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the continental United States.

What was the Treaty of Tordesillas?

The Treaty of Tordesillas was an agreement between Spain and Portugal in 1494 that divided newly discovered lands outside Europe between them.

What was the impact of the Pequot War?

The Pequot War (1636-1638) resulted in the near destruction of the Pequot tribe and marked a significant conflict between Native Americans and English settlers.