Knowt
Study of American history until 1800 something
Native people & Anicent civilzation
Content Focus:
The primary focus of this lecture is on the Native peoples and ancient civilizations that existed before European colonization of the Americas.
Key Groups Discussed:
Paleo Indians:
Historical Period: First peoples in North America (circa 13,025-100 BCE).
Originated from Asia, crossing the Beringia land bridge during the last ice age, which was a significant migration event that can explain the early human settlement of North America.
Lifestyle: Nomadic hunters and gatherers, following Large plants, large herds, such as woolly mammoths and bison. They employed various survival strategies, including foraging and hunting techniques.
Utilized a range of stone tools meticulously crafted for hunting and butchering their game, such as flaked stone points for spears.
Social Structure: Typically traveled in groups ranging from 15-50 people, which facilitated trade and interactions with other groups across regions including Alaska, Canada, and the Northern United States. This interaction likely laid the groundwork for complex regional networks.
weather starts getting warmer and an adaptation is needed the palo indians evoule
Olmecs:
Significance: Known as the first permanent society in Mesoamerica (circa 2012-1200 BCE), playing a foundational role in shaping subsequent Mesoamerican civilizations.
Lifestyle: Practiced agriculture with notable crops including squash, corn, and beans, thus establishing a stable food supply that supported larger populations.
Developed a strong religious identity and social structure with chiefdom governments.
Created a government and building housesthat reflected their social hierarchy, which included the construction of ceremonial centers and the establishment of trade routes that facilitated economic exchange with neighboring cultures.
created a cheifdom
religious art (olmec head)
thrives from 2000-1200 BCE
Mesoamerica is the cradle of America
Teotihuacan
City-State: An influential city-state located near Mexico City, known as one of the largest cities in the world at its peak (approximately 100,000 residents).
unmatched in other part of the world
owb farm religion ideas
existed a thousand years before the aztectans
trade routes
Maya Civilization:
Cultural Flourishment: Emerged prominently in the Yucatán Peninsula by the 1st century CE, developing a complex society noted for its cultural richness and scientific achievements.
Achievements: Renowned for their advancements including hieroglyphic writing, sophisticated calendar systems, and expansive temples that reflected their cosmology and worship. and a number system
Political Structure: Organized into city-states, each with its own ruling elite, and engaged in both trade and warfare to assert dominance.
Aztecs:
Empire: A powerful empire situated in present-day Mexico, with its capital at Tenochtitlan, a thriving city with a population approaching 200,000. considered one of the largest buildings.
took over from the olemcs , establishing a complex social hierarchy and a tribute system that sustained their economic power.
Government: The Aztec government was a centralized monarchy, led by a king, who was considered a divine figure, supported by a council of nobles and priests.
Human sacrifice
floating gardens
city built on a lake
regional control and agricultural innovation were crucial for sustaining the complex societies that thrived in Mesoamerica.
Famous for their remarkable engineering prowess, such as building a city on water and creating chinampas for agriculture.
Trade and Society: Established extensive trade networks across Mesoamerica and were known for specific religious practices, including ritual human sacrifices which they believed strengthened their gods and agricultural repsonses.
Incan Empire:
Timeline: Established by the 14th century, with significant cities in Cusco living in the andres mountains
terraces for farming were developed, allowing for efficient cultivation of crops such as potatoes and maize, which were vital for sustaining their large population.
running water
road and bridges
Road and bridges were developed to facilitate trade and communication between different regions, showcasing advanced engineering skills.
Engineering Feats: Notable for their impressive stone construction techniques, innovative terrace farming that maximized arable land in mountainous regions, and advanced infrastructure including running water systems, extensive road networks, and impressive bridges.
Characteristics of Native Communities:
Emphasized the emergence of diverse civilizations characterized by unique languages, cultural practices, and belief systems that shaped regional identities.
Common Features:
Extended kinship networks with extended families cohabiting, enhancing social interconnections.
Clear and explicit gender roles, defining societal expectations for men and women, often reflecting agricultural labor divisions.
A prevalence of polygamous relationships and acceptance of homosexuality, presenting a stark contrast to contemporary European norms.
Distinct spiritual beliefs centered on polytheism, showcasing a deep connection to nature and various advanced agricultural practices, including domestication of crops and irrigation methods that supported their societies.
2 spirit (someone who is fish)
farming skills
Interaction with the West:
Explores the historical context of early interactions between hemispheres before Columbus, including Viking settlements in North canda
Notably, Vikings were the first to reached North America (referred to as Vinland), facing challenges in local resistances, including conflicts with established indigenous groups. abaonded settlements
piliged and raidedsettlements, which ultimately led to their withdrawal and the eventual decline of Norse presence in the region.
African Kingdoms and Civilizations:
Describes the West African kingdoms enriched by extensive trade networks and abundant gold resources, with a focus on the influential kingdom of Mali, which became a cultural and economic powerhouse.
wetter more fertile land in the west.
traded material for gold
religion was pagans and Islam
Dry scoroth in north
Mali: Gained power greatly through its gold resources, establishing trade routes that connected sub-Saharan Africa to European and Middle Eastern markets.
Women played notable roles in society through matrilineal lineage practices, particularly in ancestor worship rituals that reinforced family and social structures.
Slavery was characterized as capturing enemies rather than being a race-based system, presenting a contrasting dynamic to contemporary European practices
The Big Three of Europe
Key Players:
England, Spain, and France emerged as principal nations competing for global dominance through exploration, colonization, and trade.
Church and State Relations:
These nations were interconnected through the Roman Catholic Church, with monarchies closely linked to ecclesiastical authorities influencing governance and societal norms.
Sociopolitical Structure:
Characterized by feudal systems, where societal hierarchy was represented by lords and serfs, influenced by land ownership and military service.
Historical Impact:
The Black Death in the 14th century drastically shifted social dynamics in Europe, leading to population decline, labor shortages, and eventual economic shifts.
RISE OF THE ATLANTIC WORLD (1400-1650):
Renaissance Effects: A revival of classical arts and sciences, joint-stock companies emerge, decline of feudalism, massive population growth in England.
Religious Change: The Reconquista, the Protestant Reformation initiated by Martin Luther, and the Counter-Reformation reshape European religious landscape.
Age of Discovery: European nations seek new trade routes; Portugal's outposts lead to chattel slavery based on race.
Christopher Columbus: Commissioned by Spain, he lands in the Bahamas, marking European exploration of the Caribbean.
Spanish Colonization: Establishment of colonies in the Caribbean, spread of diseases decimates indigenous populations, origins of the slave system.
Fall of the Aztecs: Conquest by Hernán Cortés in 1519, aided by Native alliances.
Columbian Exchange: Transfer of goods, plants, diseases between continents; the Middle Passage for enslaved Africans.
French Claims: Exploration of Newfoundland, establishment of New France by Samuel De Champlain.
British Empire's Rise: Elizabeth I's reign leads to increased stability and colonial expansion; establishment of Jamestown (1607) in North America.
The Atlantic World, was significantly shaped by the Renaissance, which revived classical arts and sciences and led to the decline of feudalism in Europe.
This period saw the emergence of joint-stock companies that diversified economies and a massive population growth in England.
Religious changes, driven by the Protestant Reformation and the Catholic Counter-Reformation, transformed European culture.
The Age of Discovery was characterized by European exploration for new trade routes, notably by Portugal and Spain, leading to significant events like Columbus' voyage to the Caribbean and the subsequent Spanish colonization efforts.
The establishment of colonies brought devastating effects to indigenous populations due to disease and the beginnings of racial chattel slavery. In North America, the rise of the British Empire was marked by the founding of Jamestown in 1607 and the expansion of territories and trade.
The Transatlantic Slave Trade: A significant aspect of the Atlantic World from the 15th to the 19th century, involving the forced transportation of Africans to the Americas. Key points include:
Scale: Millions of Africans were trafficked across the Atlantic, with estimates ranging from 10 to 12 million enslaved individuals.
Middle Passage: The brutal voyage across the Atlantic, marked by overcrowding, disease, and high mortality rates among enslaved people.
Economic Impact: The slave trade fueled plantation economies in the Americas, particularly in the production of sugar, tobacco, and cotton.
Abolition Movements: Growing opposition to slavery led to abolition movements in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, culminating in legal emancipation in many countries.
RISE OF THE ATLANTIC WORLD (1400-1650)
Effects of the Renaissance
The Renaissance marked a significant cultural revival, reinvigorating classical European literature, art, science, and philosophy that shaped intellectual thought for centuries.
The establishment of joint-stock companies facilitated investment in colonies and trade ventures, allowing for the pooling of resources among individual investors and reducing financial risks.
The feudal system saw a substantial decline as new economic opportunities arose, disrupting traditional land-based power structures.
England experienced massive population growth, increasing from 2.5 million in 1500 to approximately 5 million by 1620, fostering shifts in labor, urbanization, and social dynamics, particularly affecting the lower classes.
Religious Change in Europe
The Reconquista, culminating in 1492, ( driving muslims forces out and telling everyone to convert) aimed to consolidate Catholic identity in Spain, motivating further exploration and colonization.
Martin Luther's bold challenge to Catholic doctrine with his 95 Theses in 1517 ignited the Protestant Reformation, leading to widespread debate, divine interpretation, and ecclesiastical reforms/ his beliefs on indulgences. The Reformation not only fractured the Catholic Church but also prompted a wave of new religious movements across Europe, influencing migration patterns and the establishment of colonies in the New World by those seeking religious freedom.
The Lutheran Church emerged from Luther’s teachings, establishing a new branch of Christianity that rejected the authority of the Pope. (protestant)
luthar translates the bible from Latin to German to make it more accessible to people.
John Calvin introduced Predestination, forming the basis of Calvinism, significantly influencing the Protestant movement in Europe.
The Catholic Counter-Reformation launched between 1545-1563 included reforms aimed at addressing corruption within the Church and reaffirming Catholic doctrine.
Protestant Reformation in England
King Henry VIII's quest for a male heir and his desire to divorce Catherine of Aragon led to the English Reformation, resulting in the establishment of the Church of England (Anglican Church) in 1534.
This move placed Henry as the Supreme Head of the Church, creating significant religious, cultural, and political upheaval, which successive monarchs navigated with varying policies.
created a period of religious upheaval with upcoming heris.r
The Age of Discovery
European nations, driven by trade interests, sought alternative maritime pathways to Asia, influenced by trades and good s such as spices, silk, and precious metals, ultimately leading to the exploration of the New World and the eventual establishment of colonies.
The Crusades and prior trade routes, made traveling on foot dangerous so they looked for ships
Portgual leadws the way trading in Africa leaving outpost
vasco de cotes is the first to travel around Africa
Portugal established trading outposts along the West African coast, trading goods and gold in exchange for enslaved Africans, setting the stage for the development of race-based chattel slavery.
chattle slavery starts to be established
People start thinking africa= slaves
Christopher Columbus
In 1492, Columbus, under the auspices of Spain, embarked on a westward voyage intending to find a new route to Asia but instead arrived in the Bahamas, marking the onset of European exploration and colonization of the Americas.
His encounter with the Tainos led to significant consequences for indigenous peoples, including exploitation and the implementation of violence and forced labor.
Had serve punishments for the natives
Kidnapped 500 tanios and brought them back to spain
he went back a total of 4 times before dying
Spanish Caribbean
Following Columbus, Spain established colonies throughout the Caribbean, including Hispaniola, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Jamaica, greatly transforming the demographics and cultures of these islands.
Notable explorers like Amerigo Vespucci contributed to the increasing recognition and the name america of the New World, leading to a better understanding of its geography.
Natives are viewed as subjects of the crownrather than independent peoples, which laid the groundwork for the complex interactions between European settlers and Indigenous populations.
The introduction of diseases by Europeans resulted in a catastrophic decline of Native populations, contributing to a labor void that fueled the emergence of the African slave trade. (measules small pox and mumps) after the first year 90% of native population died)
Spanish enslaves all the natives that don’t convert
Portguese founded going to Africa for enslaved workers , establishing a brutal transatlantic trade route that would have lasting impacts on both continents.
The Portuguese established trade routes along the West African coast, leading to the capture and transport of enslaved Africans to the Americas, which intensified the demand for labor in the colonies.
The SPANISH brought over the first enslaved to the new landws
Fall of the Aztec Empire
The conquest of the Aztec Empire by Spanish Conquistadors, notably Hernán Cortés, in 1519 was a watershed moment, emphasizing the interplay of military power, alliances with rival Native groups, and European exploitation of local dynamics.
Noteworthy figures like La Malinche played pivotal roles as interpreters and guides, shaping the outcome of the conquest.
Hernan meetws la malinche and she tells of him of the vast empire
he goes over and meets with Moctezuma II , the emperor of the Aztec Empire, who initially welcomes Cortés with gifts and hospitality, believing him to be a divine figure. This meeting sets the stage for a complex relationship that ultimately leads to the downfall of the Aztec civilization.
they later turn on cortez and makes him flee to the coast there he waits for reinforcement getting the help of local indian tribes and spansih fleets
in 1521 the aztec empire falls
Indigenous Americans in Europe
Tens of thousands of Native Americans were transported to Europe for various reasons, including slavery, diplomats, spouses and children lastly spectacle and curiosity
Some individuals, like Paquiquineo, gained a degree of prominence in Europe, showcasing the complex dynamics between cultures during this period.
Spain’s Growing Empire
Spain expanded its North American frontier into territories such as Texas, Florida, and New Mexico, laying claims to vast areas rich in resources.
Juan poncie de lon finds flordia thinking its island
cabeza de vala ships wreck off the coast of texaqsand becomes the first known European to explore the region, leading to further Spanish expeditions in the area.
Established the first enslaved Africans to reach the new plans
The encomienda system was implemented, granting land and labor rights to Spanish settlers, with the objective of converting indigenous populations to Christianity.
This period witnessed the establishment of a societal hierarchy based on race and class, which would inform future colonial policies.
Peninsulates - (someone of native Spanish blood) mestizos (someone of native and Spanish blood) Mulattoes (someone of Spanish and African blood) lastly enslaved people and natives.
The Columbian Exchange
The Columbian Exchange was a crucial intercultural exchange that involved the transfer of plants, animals, goods, diseases, and people between Europe, Africa, and the Americas, fundamentally altering diets and lifestyles across continents.
The Middle Passage, a notorious leg of the transatlantic slave trade, involved the harrowing journey of enslaved Africans to the Americas, characterized by inhumane conditions, overcrowding, and a high death toll.
France’s Claims in North America
The exploration of Newfoundland was undertaken by Jacques Cartier, focusing on the elusive Northwest Passage (passage to help with trade) , which highlighted the competitive nature of European claims.
Samuel De Champlain established New France in 1608, although settlement growth was slow, fostering relations with Native American groups through fur trade partnerships.
England’s Rise in the World ( Golden age )
The Elizabethan era marked England's golden age, characterized by flourishing arts, exploration, and the establishment of overseas colonies.
England’s rise in the world was marked by its Golden Age during the late 16th and early 17th centuries, characterized by significant advancements in exploration, trade, and cultural achievements.
Queen Elizabeth I's reign (1558-1603) brought political stability and encouraged the growth of a powerful British Empire, allowing England to gain footholds in North America.
Significant events during this time included the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588, which marked a pivotal shift in naval power favoring England.
The establishment of England's first colony, Roanoke (1585-1590), reflected attempts at colonization, despite its ultimate failure.
Conflict with Ireland (invasion of Ireland 1565-1576) killed many Irish nobles and ministers created tension between the two and allowing the english to take the land and force the Irish into submission, further solidifying England's control over the region and setting a precedent for future colonial endeavors.
She bulks up the english navy after the defeat of the Spanish
Britain’s First Permanent Settlement
The founding of Jamestown by the Virginia Company in 1607 marked the first successful permanent British settlement in North America, characterized by immense challenges such as the Starving Times (1609-1610).
Charter colony ( its when fiance and management are done by company and stock holders)
100 men arrived after one year ½ died , leading to a drastic reduction in the population and highlighting the harsh conditions faced by the settlers.
Captain John Smith's was the leader of the colony his leadership was crucial for survival during the early years, as settlers struggled to adapt to their new environment and priorities.
They wanted to get rich quick by looking for gold they look so much they neglected to build aquadte shelter and perished in the winter
creating the starving times 1609-1610
the local palo indians were initially friendly with the settlers, trading food and supplies, but tensions soon escalated due to encroachment on their lands and resources.
The Anglo-Powhatan War (1610-1614) highlighted the deteriorating relations between settlers and Indigenous peoples in the region, notably against Pocahontas' clan.
John roffle establish military disciplines and shapes the colony around
John Rolfe’s introduction of tobacco cultivation in 1619 played a transformative role in the Jamestown economy, setting a precedent for cash crops and increased reliance on slave labor.
Virginia
Founded around indentured servants and mostly single settlers
90% of arrivals were men
Tabacco brides are brought ( single english woman who would marry the single new arrivals) to help balance the gender ratio and promote family life in the colonies, ultimately leading to a more stable society.
Land right system is created by the Virgina company (50 acres per head)
Virginia's agricultural economy blossomed with the introduction of indentured servants and the controversial practice of tobacco brides, establishing patterns of labor and gender dynamics in the colony.
The headrights system incentivized landowners to import labor, granting 50 acres of land for every person brought to the colony, further entrenching the labor system and colonial expansion.
Virigina company
The Origins of New England
The New England colonies were founded primarily for religious freedom, attracting Puritans and Pilgrims seeking to escape persecution in England.
These settlers established a different economic model than Virginia, focusing on small-scale farming, fishing, and trade, which fostered a more communal society.
Purtians= pilgirams
Pilgraims who gave up the idea of reforming the church started New England
Alwyas in a state of paranoia
Pilgrims seeking religious freedom set sail on the Mayflower, establishing Plymouth Colony in 1620, representing early examples of self-governance.
The Mayflower Compact was created as a social contract, establishing a foundation for governance and community cooperation in the new settlement.
they declared themselves a civic body (someone who creates a gov)
took land in the name of king james I and sought to create a society based on their Puritan values, which would influence the development of democratic principles in America.
The Pilgrims engaged with local Wampanoag Indians, aided by figures like Squanto, who played vital roles in establishing relations and agricultural practices.
Speedwall turns around because of a leak
The Dutch and the New Netherlands
The Dutch West India Company funded expeditions in 1609 and the first one to the new land. during the struggle for independence, with spain
The establishment of New Amsterdam in 1626, present-day New York City, represented a key economic hub and fur trading center, engaging with Native American groups and African slave trade.
Development of the Chesapeake Colonies
Virginia and Maryland Overview: V&m are the first English colonies to boom for the English . they also make up the 2 cheaspeak coloniesand played a significant role in the early economic development of the region, primarily through tobacco cultivation, which became a lucrative cash crop.
Cash Crop: Tobacco emerged as the main cash crop, driving the economy and leading to prosperity; cycles of boom and bust were common due to market fluctuations.
Virginia's Transition to Royal Colony: Following the financial collapse of the Virginia Company, the Virginia colony was taken over by the British government and governed directly. they created a bicmalar legislation
Legislative Body: The House of Burgesses emerged as the first elected representative assembly in the New World, showcasing the colonial political structure. and the lower chamer of the assembly, known as the Council, played a crucial role in advising the governor and shaping colonial policy. where you wore sworn in by settlers
The upper chamer was the gov councils (appointed by the governor and swore and get elected)
Religious Taxation: Residents were required to pay taxes to the Church of England, which caused tension, especially among dissenters.
Maryland's Founding: Founded by Lord Baltimore or Geroge calvert to create a haven for Catholics fleeing English persecution, aiming for a model of religious tolerance.
Proprietary Colony: Governed by Lord Baltimore; the governmental structure mirrored Virginia’s. (only future heirs carry power)
They pass the Act of Religious Toleration: Initially fostered peace between various religious groups but was short-lived due to political conflicts and repeal.
in 5 years protestants come and take over
Labor Sources and Societal Challenges
Labor Demands: Continued growth in land and labor needs resulted in a heavy reliance on indentured servitude.
High Mortality Rate: Diseases such as malaria led to a notably low life expectancy, averaging just 48 years for colonists, creating labor shortages and social unrest.
Social Laws: Colonial laws enforced strict moral codes, which were challenging to uphold due to limited governmental authority.
Gender Roles: Gender roles were traditionally segmented; men primarily engaged in politics while women typically managed the domestic sphere.
Bacon's Rebellion (1676)
Conflict Background: Spurred by dissatisfaction with the lack of land and poor treatment of indentured servants; led by Nathaniel Bacon against colonial governor William Berkeley’s administration, targeting Native American lands.
Outcome: The rebellion dissipated abruptly upon Bacon's death from dysentery, causing a reevaluation of labor strategies and governance.
Significance: The rebellion signaled a shift from reliance on indentured servants towards permanent slavery, influencing future labor structures.
Slavery in the Chesapeake
Initial Slavery Practices: Initially characterized by limited forms of servitude; this transformed significantly post-1640.
Chattel Slavery Establishment: After Bacon’s Rebellion, race-based chattel slavery became established, wherein enslaved children inherited the status of their mothers, creating a cycle of inherited servitude.
Royal African Company: Formed to exploit the slave trade for profit, this company played a crucial role in expanding the availability of enslaved labor, fostering a dependency on this labor system. created by the british monarch of the time, the Royal African Company monopolized the trade of enslaved Africans, ensuring a steady supply of labor to the colonies.
New England Colonies Overview
Economic Practices: The economy revolved around the exportation of raw materials like timber and whale oil instead of traditional cash crops, due to adverse farming conditions.
Each colony saw each other as independent nations.
No cash crops due to weather
Presdestation and preparation are the religious beliefs that played a significant role in shaping the social and political landscape of New England.
New England colonies were focued more on families and unity than on large-scale agriculture, which fostered a strong sense of community and cooperation among settlers.
Massachusetts Bay Colony
Founders and Beliefs: Established by Puritans under the leadership of John Winthrop, who envisioned a model community, referred to as a 'city upon a hill' exemplifying their values.
Religious Foundation: Puritans believed in predestination and strict adherence to religious principles, which heavily influenced the governance and societal norms of the colony.Puritans want to purify the church of england because they thought they were similar to the catholic church
purtians beliefs are law very religious based colony
higher rate of literacy because everyone was forced to read the bible
John Winthrop Is the founder of massachusetts and wanted the city to be a city upon a hill
Own branch of government requirements where you needed to be a purtain and own land, which limited participation in governance and reinforced the power of the elite class within the community
Challenges to Puritan Authority
Roger Williams: Championed religious freedom and separation of church and state; after being banished for his ideas, he founded Providence, Rhode Island, known for its tolerance.
Anne Hutchinson: Led religious gatherings that challenged the Puritan orthodoxy, resulting in her banishment due to her unorthodox beliefs and increasing influence. and held gathering where mostly women would group at
Native American Wars in New England
Pequot War: Escalated due to territorial disputes and encroachment; Puritans allied with the Narragansett tribe leading to a decisive and brutal victory against the Pequot tribe.
King Philip's War: Marked by significant bloodshed and misunderstandings about land use and ownership, resulted in the death of approximately 2,000 English settlers and a dramatic reduction of Native peoples' influence in New England.
Salem Witch Trials (1692)
Accusations Start: Initiated mainly by two girls targeting an enslaved woman named Tituba, triggering widespread hysteria and numerous trials across the region.
Trial Dynamics: The trials were marked by chaotic proceedings, relying heavily on spectral evidence which led to the accusations of many influential figures in society.
Consequences: In total, around 200 individuals were accused, with 156 imprisoned and 19 executed by hanging; the governor ultimately interceded to bring an end to the trials.The trials left a lasting impact on the community and raised significant questions about justice and the legal system in colonial America.
