# Cram Study Guide ## Pre-European North American Societies 1. **Mississippian Culture** - Lived in the Mississippi River Valley. - Known for constructing large, earthen mounds and having a complex, hierarchical society. 2. **Iroquois Confederacy** - Located in the northeastern woodlands. - Consisted of five (later six) tribes, known for their matrilineal society and the political system of the Great Law of Peace. ## “Do Glaciers Listen?” - The phrase refers to the impact of environmental changes on human societies and how human activities are affected by natural phenomena like glaciers. It suggests a dynamic relationship between nature and human culture. ## Mesoamerican Reverence for Astronomers - Mesoamericans revered astronomers for their ability to predict celestial events, which were crucial for agricultural cycles and religious ceremonies. Astronomers held significant power due to their knowledge. ## Mesoamerican Empires 1. **Maya** - Known for their advanced writing system, mathematics, and astronomical knowledge. 2. **Aztec** - Renowned for their massive capital, Tenochtitlan, and their powerful empire in central Mexico. ## West African Nations Prior to 1492 1. **Mali Empire** - Famous for its wealth, particularly under Mansa Musa, and its vibrant trade networks. 2. **Songhai Empire** - Known for its control of trans-Saharan trade and its capital, Gao, as a center of learning and culture. ## Commercial Revolution and Nation States - The Commercial Revolution involved increased trade and the rise of banking and joint-stock companies, which led to the accumulation of wealth and the centralization of power, fostering the development of nation-states in Europe. ## First European Nation State to Colonize America - **Spain** was the first to establish colonies in America, starting with Christopher Columbus's voyages in 1492. ## Non-Human Environmental Factors in Colonization 1. **Disease** - Indigenous populations were decimated by diseases like smallpox brought by Europeans. 2. **Climate** - The Little Ice Age impacted agricultural productivity and settlement patterns. ## Jamestown Colony - Established in 1607 by the Virginia Company. - Goals included searching for gold and establishing trade routes. - Characterized by harsh conditions, high mortality rates, and eventual success with tobacco cultivation. ## New England Puritans - Mission: To create a "city upon a hill," a model of religious virtue and piety. - Theology: Predestination, the importance of a covenant community, and strict moral codes. ## John Winthrop’s ‘City on a Hill’ - John Winthrop envisioned the Puritan colony as a model of Christian charity and righteousness that would inspire others and demonstrate God's favor. ## Non-Warfare European & Indian Interactions 1. **Trade** - Exchange of goods like furs and European manufactured items. 2. **Alliances** - Formed for mutual defense and economic benefit. 3. **Intermarriage** - Led to cultural exchanges and mixed communities. ## African vs. American Slavery - African slavery often involved captives from wars, debtors, or criminals and was generally not hereditary. - American slavery was racial, hereditary, and brutal, focusing on lifelong bondage and dehumanization. ## Changes in Puritan Theology on the Frontier - Puritan theology became more individualistic and less strict as it spread to the frontier, adapting to the challenges of frontier life and contact with diverse cultures. ## Royal African Company - In the 1700s, it had a monopoly on the British slave trade, facilitating the transportation of enslaved Africans to the Americas and significantly impacting the British economy. ## Seven Years War Consequences - Britain gained vast territories in North America. - The war debt led to increased taxation of American colonies, fueling discontent and eventual revolution. ## Factors for American Independence 1. **Taxation Without Representation** - Colonists resented taxes imposed by a distant parliament without their consent. 2. **British Military Actions** - Events like the Boston Massacre and harsh measures like the Intolerable Acts. ## Reconquista’s Impact on Spanish Conquest - The Reconquista fostered a militant Catholicism and a mindset of conquest and conversion, influencing Spanish approaches in the New World. ## Bartolome de Las Casas’ Argument - De Las Casas argued that Spain's treatment of indigenous people was inhumane and advocated for their rights and better treatment. ## John Smith’s Narrative of Pocahontas - Revealed aspects of Powhatan culture, such as political alliances, kinship, and the complexity of Native American societies. ## Social Changes from the Great Puritan Migration - Led to the establishment of a new, religiously motivated society in New England with significant impacts on local governance, community structure, and relations with Native Americans. ## Roger Williams & Anne Hutchinson - Their narratives reveal the strictness and intolerance of dissent within Puritan culture, leading to their banishments and the founding of more tolerant colonies. ## Bacon’s Rebellion Causes and Consequences - Caused by frontier settlers' frustrations with colonial government policies and lack of protection from Native American attacks. - Resulted in increased tensions between wealthy planters and poorer settlers, and a shift towards African slavery. ## Phillis Wheatley’s Poetry - Challenged Anglo views by demonstrating the intellectual capabilities and humanity of African Americans, contributing to anti-slavery sentiments. ## Jonathan Edwards’ “Sense of the Heart” - Described a deep, personal experience of God’s grace and presence, emphasizing emotional and spiritual transformation. ## George Whitfield’s Revivals - His evangelical revivals democratized religion, appealing to marginalized groups and fostering a sense of equality and personal empowerment. ## Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” - Galvanized American public opinion in favor of independence with its clear arguments against monarchy and for self-governance. ## Mercantilism and Colonial Conflict - Mercantilism’s emphasis on accumulating wealth through colonies led to restrictive trade policies, causing resentment and economic strain in the colonies. ## Columbian Exchange Transformations - Brought new crops and livestock to Europe and the Americas, transforming diets and agricultural practices, but also led to the spread of diseases. ## Great Awakening’s Impact on Identity - Fostered a sense of shared American identity, as colonists experienced a religious revival that emphasized personal faith and questioned traditional authority. ## Charles Woodmason’s “Mixed Medley” - Described the diverse and often unruly nature of Carolina frontiersmen, reflecting the challenges of colonial governance and social order. ## Anglo/Indian Trade Impact - Altered Native societies, introducing new goods and dependencies, but also creating new economic opportunities and alliances. ## Virginia Resolves Argument - Asserted that only the Virginia Assembly had the right to tax Virginians, challenging Parliament’s authority and laying groundwork for revolutionary thought. ## Parliament’s Response to Non-importation - Attempts to suppress colonial resistance through punitive measures only fueled further discontent and unified the colonies against Britain. ## Stono Rebellion Insights - Revealed the harsh conditions and resistance of enslaved Africans, highlighting the brutality of American slavery and the desire for freedom. ## Imperial Wars’ Impact on Relations - Strained colonial resources and fostered resentment towards Britain, contributing to a growing sense of American identity and independence. ## Lord Grenville’s Fiscal Policies 1. **Sugar Act** - Imposed taxes on sugar and molasses, affecting colonial trade. 2. **Stamp Act** - Required stamped paper for legal documents, inciting widespread protests. ## Stamp Act Congress and ‘British’ Identity - Showed colonial unity and a collective identity as British subjects demanding their rights, laying the foundation for coordinated resistance. ## Boston Massacre Trial - Exposed conflicting views: some saw it as a symbol of British tyranny, while others viewed it as a tragic misunderstanding, reflecting broader social tensions. ## 1st Continental Congress on Independence - Sought to address grievances and restore colonial rights within the British Empire, rather than immediate independence, reflecting a cautious approach. ## King George III’s Lexington & Concord Response - His decision to use military force solidified colonial opposition, leading to wider conflict and the push for independence. ## Unit One Essay Prompts ### European Expansion - **Driving Forces:** Economic motives (gold, trade routes), religious zeal (spread Christianity), and competition among European powers. - **Ideological Origins:** The Reconquista’s militant Catholicism, the Renaissance’s spirit of exploration, and mercantilist policies. - **Columbian Exchange:** Introduced new crops and animals to both worlds, spread diseases, and reshaped economies and cultures. ### English Colonial Society (1607-1740) - **Key Factors:** Economic opportunities, religious freedom, and political ambitions. - **Changes:** Growth of plantation economies in the South, development of urban centers in the North, and increased conflict with Native Americans. - **Conflicts:** Bacon’s Rebellion, religious dissent in New England, and tensions over land and resources. ### Imperial Wars & Great Awakening - **Relationship:** Wars strained colonial resources and governance, while the Great Awakening unified colonists through shared religious experiences. - **Changes in Colonies:** Increased diversity, economic growth, and social stratification. - **Evangelism:** Leaders like Jonathan Edwards sought to revive faith, contributing to a sense of identity and mission among marginalized colonists. ### American Revolution Causes - **Declaration of Independence:** Resulted from taxation without representation, British military actions, and the desire for self-governance. - **Independence Popularity:** Varied; strong support in some areas, but Loyalist opposition existed. - **Divisions:** Social, economic, and political differences highlighted the complexity of unifying diverse colonies. --- This study guide covers key points and questions, providing a foundation for deeper study and understanding of each topic.

Mississippian Culture

Mississippian Culture

• Lived in the Mississippi River Valley.

• Known for constructing large, earthen mounds and having a complex, hierarchical society

Iroquois Confederacy

• Located in the northeastern woodlands.

• Consisted of five (later six) tribes, known for their matrilineal society and the political system of the Great Law of Peace.

“Do Glaciers Listen?”

• The phrase refers to the impact of environmental changes on human societies and how human activities are affected by natural phenomena like glaciers. It suggests a dynamic relationship between nature and human culture.

Mesoamerican Reverence for Astronomers

Mesoamericans revered astronomers for their ability to predict celestial events, which were crucial for agricultural cycles and religious ceremonies. Astronomers held significant power due to their knowledge.

Maya

Known for their advanced writing system, mathematics, and astronomical knowledge

Aztec

Renowned for their massive capital, Tenochtitlan, and their powerful empire in central Mexico.

West African Nations Prior to 1492

• Mali Empire

  • Famous for its wealth, particularly under Mansa Musa, and its vibrant trade networks.

• Songhai Empire

  • Known for its control of trans-Saharan trade and its capital, Gao, as a center of learning and culture

Commercial Revolution and Nation State

The Commercial Revolution involved increased trade and the rise of banking and joint-stock companies, which led to the accumulation of wealth and the centralization of power, fostering the development of nation-states in Europe.

First European Nation State to Colonize America

Jamestown, Britain

Non-Human Environmental Factors in Colonization

1. Disease

   • Indigenous populations were decimated by diseases like smallpox brought by Europeans.

2. Climate

   • The Little Ice Age impacted agricultural productivity and settlement patterns.

Jamestown Colony

• Established in 1607 by the Virginia Company.

• Goals included searching for gold and establishing trade routes.

• Characterized by harsh conditions, high mortality rates, and eventual success with tobacco cultivation.

New England Puritans

• Mission: To create a "city upon a hill," a model of religious virtue and piety.

• Theology: Predestination, the importance of a covenant community, and strict moral codes.

John Winthrop’s ‘City on a Hill’

John Winthrop envisioned the Puritan colony as a model of Christian charity and righteousness that would inspire others and demonstrate God's favor.

Non-Warfare European & Indian Interactions

1. Trade

   • Exchange of goods like furs and European manufactured items.

2. Alliances

   • Formed for mutual defense and economic benefit.

3. Intermarriage

   • Led to cultural exchanges and mixed communities.

African vs. American Slavery

• African slavery often involved captives from wars, debtors, or criminals and was generally not hereditary.

• American slavery was racial, hereditary, and brutal, focusing on lifelong bondage and dehumanization.

Changes in Puritan Theology on the Frontier

• Puritan theology became more individualistic and less strict as it spread to the frontier, adapting to the challenges of frontier life and contact with diverse cultures.

Royal African Company

In the 1700s, it had a monopoly on the British slave trade, facilitating the transportation of enslaved Africans to the Americas and significantly impacting the British economy.

Seven Years War Consequences

• Britain gained vast territories in North America.

• The war debt led to increased taxation of American colonies, fueling discontent and eventual revolution.

Factors for American Independence

1. Taxation Without Representation

   • Colonists resented taxes imposed by a distant parliament without their consent.

2. British Military Actions

   • Events like the Boston Massacre and harsh measures like the Intolerable Acts.

Reconquista’s Impact on Spanish Conquest

• The Reconquista fostered a militant Catholicism and a mindset of conquest and conversion, influencing Spanish approaches in the New World.

Bartolome de Las Casas’ Argument

• argued that Spain's treatment of indigenous people was inhumane and advocated for their rights and better treatment.

John Smith’s Narrative of Pocahontas

Revealed aspects of Powhatan culture, such as political alliances, kinship, and the complexity of Native American societies.

Social Changes from the Great Puritan Migration

• Led to the establishment of a new, religiously motivated society in New England with significant impacts on local governance, community structure, and relations with Native Americans.

Roger Williams & Anne Hutchinson

• Their narratives reveal the strictness and intolerance of dissent within Puritan culture, leading to their banishments and the founding of more tolerant colonies.

Bacon’s Rebellion Causes and Consequences

• Caused by frontier settlers' frustrations with colonial government policies and lack of protection from Native American attacks.

• Resulted in increased tensions between wealthy planters and poorer settlers, and a shift towards African slavery.

Phillis Wheatley’s Poetry

Challenged Anglo views by demonstrating the intellectual capabilities and humanity of African Americans, contributing to anti-slavery sentiments.

Jonathan Edwards’ “Sense of the Heart”

• Described a deep, personal experience of God’s grace and presence, emphasizing emotional and spiritual transformation.

George Whitfield’s Revivals

His evangelical revivals democratized religion, appealing to marginalized groups and fostering a sense of equality and personal empowerment.

Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense”

Galvanized American public opinion in favor of independence with its clear arguments against monarchy and for self-governance.

Mercantilism and Colonial Conflict

• Mercantilism’s emphasis on accumulating wealth through colonies led to restrictive trade policies, causing resentment and economic strain in the colonies.

Columbian Exchange Transformation

• Brought new crops and livestock to Europe and the Americas, transforming diets and agricultural practices, but also led to the spread of diseases.

Great Awakening’s Impact on Identity

• Fostered a sense of shared American identity, as colonists experienced a religious revival that emphasized personal faith and questioned traditional authority.

Charles Woodmason’s “Mixed Medley”

• Described the diverse and often unruly nature of Carolina frontiersmen, reflecting the challenges of colonial governance and social order.

Anglo/Indian Trade Impact

Altered Native societies, introducing new goods and dependencies, but also creating new economic opportunities and alliances

Virginia Resolves Argument

• Asserted that only the Virginia Assembly had the right to tax Virginians, challenging Parliament’s authority and laying groundwork for revolutionary thought.

Parliament’s Response to Non-importation

Attempts to suppress colonial resistance through punitive measures only fueled further discontent and unified the colonies against Britain.

Stono Rebellion Insights

• Revealed the harsh conditions and resistance of enslaved Africans, highlighting the brutality of American slavery and the desire for freedom.

Imperial Wars’ Impact on Relations

• Strained colonial resources and fostered resentment towards Britain, contributing to a growing sense of American identity and independence.

Lord Grenville’s Fiscal Policies

1. Sugar Act

   • Imposed taxes on sugar and molasses, affecting colonial trade.

2. Stamp Act

   • Required stamped paper for legal documents, inciting widespread protests.

Stamp Act Congress and ‘British’ Identity

• Showed colonial unity and a collective identity as British subjects demanding their rights, laying the foundation for coordinated resistance.

Boston Massacre Trial

• Exposed conflicting views: some saw it as a symbol of British tyranny, while others viewed it as a tragic misunderstanding, reflecting broader social tensions.

1st Continental Congress on Independence

• Sought to address grievances and restore colonial rights within the British Empire, rather than immediate independence, reflecting a cautious approach.

King George III’s Lexington & Concord Response

His decision to use military force solidified colonial opposition, leading to wider conflict and the push for independence.

European Expansion

• Driving Forces: Economic motives (gold, trade routes), religious zeal (spread Christianity), and competition among European powers.

• Ideological Origins: The Reconquista’s militant Catholicism, the Renaissance’s spirit of exploration, and mercantilist policies.

• Columbian Exchange: Introduced new crops and animals to both worlds, spread diseases, and reshaped economies and cultures.

English Colonial Society (1607-1740)

• Key Factors: Economic opportunities, religious freedom, and political ambitions.

• Changes: Growth of plantation economies in the South, development of urban centers in the North, and increased conflict with Native Americans.

• Conflicts: Bacon’s Rebellion, religious dissent in New England, and tensions over land and resources.

Imperial Wars & Great Awakening

• Relationship: Wars strained colonial resources and governance, while the Great Awakening unified colonists through shared religious experiences.

• Changes in Colonies: Increased diversity, economic growth, and social stratification.

• Evangelism: Leaders like Jonathan Edwards sought to revive faith, contributing to a sense of identity and mission among marginalized colonists.

American Revolution Causes

• Declaration of Independence: Resulted from taxation without representation, British military actions, and the desire for self-governance.

• Independence Popularity: Varied; strong support in some areas, but Loyalist opposition existed.

• Divisions: Social, economic, and political differences highlighted the complexity of unifying diverse colonies.