Pre-Columbian America and Columbian Exchange

Exam Strategy: Time Management

Less than 5% of the test covers material prior to Jamestown.
Focus study efforts on Jamestown to 1980.
The DBQ will not cover any events prior to 1754 (French and Indian War).
80% of the test covers the period from 1754 to 1980, with some content slightly before and after.
LEQs may occasionally cover earlier periods, but this is less common. Multiple-choice and short-answer questions may address pre-Jamestown content.

Short answer questions are often the easiest part of the exam.
Example: Explain reforms of the Progressive Era:
- a) Explain the reforms of the progressive era
- b) Name a progressive reformer.
- c) Explain the effect of a progressive reform.
Responses should be direct and concise, without thesis statements or paragraphs.
Practice short answer questions if desired.

Mound Builders (Cahokia):
- Located in the Midwest near modern-day St. Louis.
Cliff Dwellers (Anasazi):
- Located in the Southwest.
- Accusations of cannibalism.
- Turquoise was significant to their culture.
- Debate on whether a civilization can practice cannibalism.
Social Structures:
- Anasazi had relatively equal gender roles.
- Practiced democratic principles.
- Extensive trading routes.
Fate of These Civilizations:
- Dispersed and possibly evolved into groups like the Pueblo or Ojibwe.
- Reasons for dispersal: drought, disease, famine.
These civilizations demonstrate that North America was not an unsettled world before Columbus.

Three sister farming (maize, squash, and beans) led to dense populations and population growth.
Maize = Corn
This agricultural technique enabled population expansion.

Located in the modern New York area.
Influence on modern democratic ideas.
Women held significant power within their society.
Practiced cooperative labor.
Organized governmental structure.
The Iroquois sided with the British during conflict.
This alliance was ultimately detrimental as most other native groups opposed them.
Hialatha Avenue in Minneapolis is named after their legendary leader.

The arrival of domesticated animals (horses, cows, sheep) significantly impacted Native societies.
Introduction of sugar, coffee, and wheat.

Disease: Worst was syphilis
European Exploration: They hoped to find gold but did not find large quantities initially
Limited amounts of silver were discovered.