Native American Societies and European Exploration (1491-1607)

These flashcards cover key concepts related to Native American societies, European exploration, and their interactions from 1491 to 1607.

What geographic factor significantly influenced Native American societies before 1491?

Geography played a significant role in the diverse populations of Native Americans.

What was the economic impact of maize cultivation in Native American societies?

It led to economic development and permanent settlement.

Name one Indigenous group from the Southeast region of North America.

Cherokee.

What type of culture did the Iroquois have?

Semi-sedentary agricultural culture reliant on maize.

Which technological advancements emerged during the Renaissance that aided European exploration?

Shipbuilding innovations like the caravel and the astrolabe.

What was the encomienda system?

A coerced labor system where Spanish crown granted land to encomenderos who forced Indigenous people into plantation agriculture.

What were the three motives behind European exploration as outlined in the lecture?

Gold, God, and Glory.

What was the Columbian Exchange?

The transfer of plants, animals, minerals, and diseases between the Old and New Worlds.

How did Indigenous peoples view land use compared to Europeans?

Indigenous peoples believed land was a shared resource with spiritual qualities, while Europeans viewed land as property owned by individuals.

What was a major consequence of the introduction of smallpox by Europeans?

It killed half of the Indigenous population, making conquest easier.

What were cultural adaptations observed among Indigenous peoples and Europeans during this period?

Indigenous peoples converted to Christianity and Europeans adopted local agricultural techniques.

What forms of resistance did Indigenous peoples exhibit against European colonization?

Diplomatic negotiations and military resistance, such as the Taino Rebellion.