APUSH unit 1 review

Key Concepts of APUSH Unit 1

1. Pre-Columbian Societies

   • Diverse Native American cultures existed in North America before European contact.
   • Significant civilizations included the Maya, Aztec, and Inca.
   • Social, political, and economic systems varied across regions.

2. European Exploration and Conquest

   • Motivation for exploration included the Three G's: Gold, Glory, and God.
   • Major explorers: Columbus, Cortés, and Pizarro.
   • Impact of European colonization on Native populations, including disease and conflict.

3. Colonial America

   • The establishment of Spanish, French, English, and Dutch colonies.
   • Different colonial regions developed distinct economic systems and social structures (e.g., New England, Middle, and Southern Colonies).
   • The role of indentured servitude and slavery in labor systems.

4. Interactions between Cultures

   • Exchanges of ideas, goods, and technologies between Native Americans and Europeans—Columbian Exchange.
   • Adaptations and changes in both Native and European societies due to contact.

5. Colonial Governments and Society

   • Development of self-government in colonies (e.g., Mayflower Compact, Virginia House of Burgesses).
   • Colonial life—including family, religion, and education; the role of the church and community.

6. Resistance to Colonial Rule

   • Early dissent against colonial authority, including conflicts such as Bacon’s Rebellion.
   • Tensions between colonists and Native Americans over land and resources.

Important Events and Dates

• 1492: Columbus's first voyage to the Americas.
• 1588: Spanish Armada defeated by the English, marking a shift in power.
• 1607: Establishment of Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement.
• 1620: Pilgrims settle at Plymouth Rock, sign the Mayflower Compact.
• 1676: Bacon's Rebellion highlights colonial resistance.

Key Figures

• Christopher Columbus: Explorer who completed four voyages across the Atlantic.
• Hernán Cortés: Led the expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire.
• John Smith: Leader of Jamestown who implemented strong discipline.
• Olaudah Equiano: Former slave whose autobiography helped to promote abolition.

Essential Questions

• How did the Columbian Exchange impact the world?
• In what ways did geography influence the development of colonial societies?
• What were the social, economic, and political structures of Native American societies before European contact?

Study Tips

• Make flashcards for key terms and figures.
• Create timelines for important events and their impacts.
• Review primary source documents for better understanding of perspectives during this period.