U.S. History to 1877 Lecture Notes

How Do We Study the Past?

  • Methods of Studying History

    • Archaeology: The study of human history and prehistory through the excavation of sites and the analysis of artifacts.

    • History: The recorded narrative of past events and changes in human societies.

  • Differences Between Archaeology and History:

    • Archaeology focuses on material remains, while history deals with written documents.

Who Are the Americans?

  • Defining Americans:

    • Exploration of what constitutes an American identity.

    • Inquiry into cultural, ethnic, and historical backgrounds that shape the notion of an American.

Early European References to America

  • Historical Context:

    • During the 1500s, European mapmakers referred to the new world as "America" in honor of explorer Amerigo Vespucci.

Timeline of Human Presence in the Western Hemisphere

  • Timeframes of Inhabitance:

    • Before Columbus to 14,500 years ago:

    • 96% of human presence before European contact occurred.

    • Columbus to the Declaration of Independence: 284 years.

    • From the Declaration of Independence through Reconstruction (1877): 101 years.

    • From Reconstruction to Present: 148 years.

Explaining Pre-European Human Presence in the Western Hemisphere

  • Archaeological Evidence:

    • Investigation of how humans arrived before European settlers.

The Land Bridge Theory

  • Archaeological Hypothesis:

    • Beringia: The land bridge that connected Siberia to North America during periods of low sea levels, facilitating migration.

    • Map reference showing geographical connection includes:

      • North Pacific Ocean

      • Arctic Ocean

      • North America

Native American Cultures Before European Contact

  • Paleo-Indians (15,000-10,000 years Before Present):

    • Lived a nomadic lifestyle.

    • Primary subsistence as hunters of mega fauna.

  • Archaic Indians (10,000-2,000 years Before Present):

    • Direct descendants of Paleo-Indians.

    • Developed as hunters and gatherers and traders.

    • Shift to a semi-nomadic lifestyle.

  • Cultural Diversity:

    • Adaptations to both natural and social environments fostered significant cultural diversity among Native American peoples prior to European arrival.

Concept of Culture

  • Definition and Overview:

    • Consideration of what constitutes culture in human societies.

  • Animism:

    • Belief system where there is no division between supernatural and natural worlds.

    • All entities (humans, plants, rocks, water, weather, and animals) possess immortal spirits and are interconnected in a web of life.

Transition to Agricultural Societies

  • Agricultural Developments (4,000 years Before Present):

    • Shift towards agriculture while still continuing hunting and gathering practices.

    • Establishment of permanent settlements and recognition of both advantages and disadvantages associated with agricultural societies.

  • Mesa Verde, Colorado:

    • Notable site illustrating the existence of agricultural communities.

  • Interior of a Kiva:

    • Cultural significance of kivas as ceremonial structures in Pueblo culture.

Chaco Canyon, New Mexico

  • Importance of Chaco Canyon:

    • An archaeological site that signifies advanced societal structures and trade routes.

Indigenous Archaeological Cultures in Ohio

  • Fort Ancient, Hopewell, and Adena Cultures:

    • Major indigenous cultures in the Ohio region with distinct monumental earthworks and burial mounds.

    • Example: Adena culture located at Miamisburg, Ohio.

Cahokia Civilization

  • Cahokia:

    • A large and complex indigenous urban center located in western Illinois.

    • Notable landmarks include Monks Mound, which was the largest earthen structure in the Americas.

Linguistic Diversity Among Native American Peoples

  • Spoken Languages:

    • At the time of European arrival, as many as 372 spoken languages existed in North America.

    • Demonstrated the linguistic diversity among hundreds of distinct cultures throughout the Western Hemisphere.

Indigenous Maps and Tribal Nations

  • Cultural Connections:

    • References to various Indigenous nations and their original names and locations, showcasing the deep-rooted connections to the land.

Native American Tribes in New Mexico

  • List of Tribes:

    • Tribes such as Zuni, Dine, Ute, and various Apache groups, indicating a rich tapestry of cultural identities and histories in New Mexico.

Geographical Layout of Tribal Nations in the Northeast

  • Map References:

    • Mention of primary water bodies (e.g., Saint Lawrence River, Finger Lakes) and significant tribes such as Iroquois Confederacy members (Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca).

  • Muskogee / Creek:

    • Located in the Southeast region, particularly Alabama.

Information on Aztec Civilization

  • Aztecs (Mexica):

    • Large empire in central Mexico beginning around 1325.

    • Society governed by a warrior nobility.

  • Major Cities and Sites:

    • Tenochtitlan: Reflected as the Mexica capital, central to their empire's operations and culture.

    • Detailed discussion of the geographic influence and provinces associated with the Aztec civilization.

  • Triple Alliance:

    • The system uniting Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, and Tlacopan, demonstrating the complexity of Aztec governance.

Conclusion

  • Comprehension of Native American History:

    • An understanding of the multifaceted histories, cultures, and identities of Native Americans prior to European arrival is critical to grasping the broader historical narrative of America.