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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.