APUSH Period 1&2 Vocab

Aztec Empire

A major Mesoamerican civilization that flourished in central Mexico from the 14th to the 16th centuries, known for its architectural achievements, complex society, and rich culture. The Aztecs established a vast empire centered around the capital of Tenochtitlan, which was a hub of trade, politics, and religion. Also did human sacrifices defeated by Spanish Hernan Cortes

Inca Empire

A significant South American civilization that thrived along the Andes Mountains from the 15th to the 16th centuries. Renowned for its advanced engineering, agricultural techniques, and extensive road system, the Inca Empire had its capital at Cusco and was known for its rich culture and skilled artisans. Conquered by Francisco Pizzaro

Mayan Empire

An influential Mesoamerican civilization that existed from around 2000 BC to 1500 AD, known for its impressive city-states, advanced mathematics, astronomy, and a complex writing system. The Maya were skilled farmers and built monumental architecture, including pyramids and temples.

Vikings

Norse seafarers from Scandinavia who raided, traded, and settled in various parts of Europe from the 8th to the 11th centuries. Known for their longships and exploration, the Vikings played a significant role in European history, including the discovery of North America.

Christopher Columbus

Italian explorer credited with discovering the Americas in 1492 while seeking a westward route to Asia. He completed four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean, opening the way for the widespread European exploration and colonization of the Americas.

Hernan Cortes

A Spanish Conquistador known for leading the expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire. His conquest began in 1519, which led to significant Spanish colonization in the Americas.

Conquistadores

Spanish explorers and soldiers who sought to conquer territory and establish colonies in the Americas during the Age of Exploration, often through military force and alliances with local tribes.

Tenochtitlan

The capital of the Aztec Empire, located on an island in Lake Texcoco, it was an urban center known for its advanced architecture and complex society, ultimately conquered by Hernan Cortes in 1521.

Francisco Pizzaro

A Spanish Conquistador who led the expedition that conquered the Inca Empire, capturing the emperor Atahualpa, and played a crucial role in the Spanish colonization of South America.

Encomienda System

A labor system where Spanish colonists were granted the right to extract labor and tribute from Indigenous peoples in exchange for protection and Christianization.

Bartolome de Las Casas

A Spanish Dominican friar and missionary who advocated for the rights of Indigenous peoples and criticized the abuses of the encomienda system, promoting more humane treatment.

Hernando de Soto

A Spanish explorer known for leading the first European expedition deep into the territory of the modern-day United States, notably exploring the Southeast and the Mississippi River.

The Protestant Reformation

revolutionary movement which questioned the power of the Catholic Church due to indulgences

Martin Luther

Wrote 95 Thesis who argued salvation comes from building relationship with God, started the Protestant Reformation

95-Theses

written by Martin Luther, list of grievances against Catholic Church which attacked them

John Calvin

found Calvinism which influenced American settlements. Added on to Martin Luther

Calvinism

reformed Catholicism which believed in predestination and chosen will go to Heaven or Hell. Influenced the Puritans.

Henry VIII

establish church of England and split from Catholic Church to annulment

Queen Elizabeth

most powerful queen in history, beat Spanish Armada, sponsored first English settlements

Defeat of the Spanish Armada

Queen defeated Spanish Armada, set them as a global naval power and started decline of Spanish Empire and make way for English colonization without Spanish interference

Roanoke Island

1st English settlement in North America attempt which failed

Sir Walter Raleigh

one of first English explorers to attempt to establish English colony failed

Virginia Company

joint-stock company which made profit to establish settlements in New World supported by King James

Powhatan

father of Pochahontas, leader of his tribe Powhatan Confederacywhen English came

Captain John Smith

English explorer who played key role in Jamestown settlement and interactions with Powhatan

Jamestown

First permanent English settlement in N America

Bacon’s Rebellion

The uprising in Jamestown attacked governor by indentured servants against upper class. led to rise of slavery and racism

Proprietary Colony

colony which had individual/group got ownserhip of colony’s governing rights by monarch

Plymouth

first successful English permanent colony in New England established by Pilgrims. first self-government Mayflower Compact

John Winthrop

first governor of Massachusetts Bay— Puritan

Roger Williams

Banished from Massachusetts Bay Colony and founded Rhode Island Colony, promoted religious freedom and free thought

Anne Hutchinson

controversial Puritan who was kicked out for challenging Puritan beliefs, gender and authority. believed that grace and faith brought salvation

Pequot War

first major conflict between Native Americans and English settlers, english won and Pequot decimated

Metacom’s War

conflict between Wampanoag people and New England. united various tribes against settlers exploring native land and resources. many killed

Iroquois Confederacy

5 nations with powerful governmen, Great Law of Peace and sided with European settlers

Quaker

Christian group which believed inner light and direct relationship with god, peaceful

William Penn

English who founded Pennsylvania to practice Quaker principles

Indentured servants

gives labor in colonies for passage to New World

slavery

individuals owned by others and force to give labor

Protestant

branch of Christian group which came from Protestant Reformation, rejected papal authority

Triangular Trade

transatlantic system of trade that exchanged goods, slaves etc. Boosted Euro economy and growth to colonial wealth. Africa, North AMerica,Europe

Columbian Exchange

exchange of goods between Europe and Americas. Changed American landscape, improved Euro diets and growth pop.disease slavery and explotation

Half-Way Convenant

response to decline in Church membership, allowed partial membership rights to people no yet converted to Puritan Church

Salem Witch Trials

series of violence of people accused of doing witchcraft,grew fear in Puritans and social stratification

Englightenment

intellectual era which valued human reason and logic

Benjamin Franklin

Founding Father, got France support independence and supported DOI and Constitution

Great Awakening

religious revival movement in colonies against the Enlightenment, generated Christian support

George Whitefield

Anglican preacher and leader behind the Great Awakening and spread religious revival

Jonathan Edwards

other preist who revived religion

Joint-stock company

companies owned by shareholders, invests in commerical enterprise like colonies

Mayflower Compact

first agreement for self-government in America by Pilgrims for Plymouth Colony

James Oglethorpe

Founder of Georgia colony

House of Burgesses

first elective legislative assembly,first attempt at self-government in Virginia

Navigation Acts

series of laws from English parliament to regulate colonial trade and collect taxes from colonies.Boost Europes economy and still be naval global power, lead up to American Revolution

Mercantilism

economic system which emphasized wealth by maintaining balanced trade.Parent country controls trade to increase wealth and get profit

salutary neglect

British policy that laws were loose on trade and gave colonies some freedom

Sir William Berkeley**

Virginia governor who became target of Bacon’s rebellion.

Pueblo Revolt

only successful Native American revolt

Headright system

land grant programs to attract settlers and workers in colony