Early American History and European Exploration Flashcards

Early Human Migration and Agriculture

  • Land Bridge (Beringia)

    • A land bridge is defined as a strip of land that connects two larger landmasses.

    • Beringia is the specific name of the land bridge that connected America and Asia.

    • This geological feature is the basis for the hypothesis regarding how people first migrated to the Americas.

  • Maize

    • Maize refers to an early form of corn grown by Native Americans.

European Renaissance and Navigational Technology

  • The Printing Press

    • This technology was invented by Guttenberg.

    • The invention led to a significant increase in literacy rates and fueled the spread of new ideas.

    • It served as a major contributing factor to the Protestant Reformation and the Enlightenment.

  • Prince Henry the Navigator

    • He is credited with setting up the first navigation school.

    • He successfully sailed around the tip of Africa, reaching the geographical landmark known as the Cape of Good Hope.

The Spanish Monarchy and Initial Exploration

  • Ferdinand and Isabella

    • They were the joint rulers of Spain.

    • They are famous for providing the funding for Christopher Columbus’s voyages to the Americas.

    • In 14921492, they completed the Reconquista, a campaign that successfully pushed Muslims out of Spain.

  • Columbus

    • An explorer who discovered the Americas in 14921492.

    • His expeditions were funded by the Spanish royalty.

    • Upon reaching the Americas, he landed on the island of Hispaniola.

Conquest of the Americas

  • Conquistadores

    • These were Spanish conquerors who targeted Native American lands.

    • Their most notable achievements include the conquest of the Aztec and Inca empires.

  • Cortes

    • A Spanish conquistador who defeated the Aztec Empire.

    • Historical records of his life and conquests span from 14851485 to 15471547.

    • He is credited with the conquest of Mexico.

  • Pizarro

    • A Spanish conquistador specifically known for conquering the Incan Empire.

Colonial Labor and Economic Systems

  • Encomienda System

    • A system that granted the right to demand labor or tribute from Native Americans in a particular area.

  • Asiento System

    • A formal process in which Spain brought slaves from West Africa to the Americas to provide labor.

  • Slave Trade

    • The systematic trading of Africans to the Americas.

  • Slavery

    • A system of enforced servitude characterized by the ownership of some people by others.

Diplomacy and Late 16th-Century Colonization

  • Treaty of Tordesillas

    • Established in 14941494, this was a treaty between Spain and Portugal to divide newly discovered lands.

    • The agreement drew a north-to-south line through South America.

    • Spain was granted territory to the west of the line.

    • Portugal retained lands to the east of the line, which included the east coast of Brazil.

  • Roanoke Island

    • An island colony established by Sir Walter Raleigh.

    • Located off the coast of North Carolina, it was a failed colonial settlement.

    • The colony famously and mysteriously disappeared in the 15801580s.

Religious Reform and Migration

  • Protestant Reformation

    • This movement represented a split in the church triggered by internal corruption, specifically the sale of indulgences.

    • The reformation resulted in the emergence of many different sects of Christianity.

    • Followers of these various sects often faced persecution in Europe if they were not part of the local majority.

    • This religious persecution acted as a primary motivator for many to relocate to the American colonies in search of religious freedom.