AP United States History Period 1: 1491-1607 Study Guide
Pre-Columbian Civilizations and Agricultural Foundations
Aztec Empire (1.2) - Flourished as a powerful civilization in Mexico from the until , ending when it was conquered by the Spanish. - The empire was established through military conquest and a tribute system, which functioned as a form of tax payment. - The society was characterized by rich religious and cultural traditions. - Maize (1.2): This was the foundation of the Aztec diet and economy and was considered a sacred crop. It supported urbanization by creating a food surplus, allowing for the growth of larger populations. - Urban Centers (1.2): The Aztecs developed the largest and most sophisticated cities in the region due to their strong economy, showcasing significant urban growth and agricultural development.
Pueblo Peoples and Irrigation (1.2) - Indigenous to the Southwest United States (specifically Arizona and New Mexico) during the pre- period. - Lived in a hot and dry climate that made farming naturally difficult; successful farming was a requirement for survival. - Developed complex irrigation systems to support permanent settlements with a stable food supply, allowing them to grow crops in the desert and store water during droughts. - Known for building cliff dwellings as an adaptation to their environment. - These advancements demonstrate the existence of complex, organized Native American civilizations before European contact, contradicting Spanish perceptions of the era.
Mound Builders (1.2) - Civilizations existing before European contact that constructed large burial mounds. - These sites were utilized for religious ceremonies and as burial locations for elite individuals.
The Savannah Tribe and Three-Sister Farming (1.2) - Practiced agricultural innovation through "Three-Sister Farming." - This method involved planting corn, beans, and squash together in a symbiotic arrangement where each crop benefited the growth of the others. - This technique was utilized notably by the Iroquois and the Cherokee.
Duwamish Tribe (1.2) - Located in the Washington area from approximately to the mid-. - Their primary way of life centered on fishing, specifically catching salmon and whales. - Fishing was not merely a means of survival but was a deeply spiritual practice.
The Lakota Tribe: Transition and Adaptation
Impact of Horses (1.2) (-) - Horses were introduced by the Spanish in the and spread through trading and conflict (stealing). - The Lakota acquired the horse around , which dramatically transformed their lifestyle. - Previously, the tribe utilized complex irrigation for crops, but the horse facilitated a nomadic lifestyle. - Horses provided greater mobility and the ability to travel much longer distances. - The Lakota became highly efficient buffalo hunters; the buffalo became the center of their diet and culture. - This adaptation provided military power and a strategic advantage for both defending and conquering land.
Impact of Weapons (1.2) - Primarily consisted of guns acquired through trade with Europe and the Columbian Exchange. - These weapons provided military and hunting advantages, being more deadly and efficient than traditional tools. - This transition highlights Native adaptation to European contact and transformed the Lakota into one of the most powerful tribes.
The Columbian Exchange and European Colonization
The Columbian Exchange (1.4) - A widespread trade network between the Old World (Europe, Asia, and Africa) and the New World (The Americas). - New World Acquisitions: Horses, sugar, guns, slaves, and smallpox. - Old World Acquisitions: Potatoes, tomatoes, gold, Maize, and tobacco.
Core Colonial Motivations (1.3) - Spain (): Driven by the search for Gold and sugar. - England (): Driven by the production of Tobacco. - France (): Focused on Furs and Sugar.
New Maritime Technology (1.4) - Caravel: Small, nimble ships dedicated strictly to trade rather than warfare. - Caravels were faster and cheaper to operate, making it easier to transport goods and people to colonize the U.S. - Shipping improvements were driven in part by overpopulation in Europe.
Joint-Stock Companies (1.4) - These organizations spread financial risk among many investors and provided funds for expanding overseas endeavors. - They served as the primary funding mechanism for the colonies; effectively, joint-stock companies are synonymous with the colonies during this period. - This model prevented individual bankruptcy by pooling investment into the stabilization of the New World. - Virginia Company of London: A joint-stock company established in to profit from New World natural resources. While it created a colony, its charter rights were eventually revoked by the crown due to instability.
Early English Settlements and Conflict
Jamestown (-) - Established as the first permanent colony of England. - Created the first representative legislative assembly in America. - Laid the foundational structure for self-governance in the American colonies.
Anglo-Powhatan Wars (1.6) - A series of wars taking place from to fought over colonial lands. - In , a significant event occurred with the capture and subsequent marriage of Powhatan's daughter (Pocahontas) to John Rolfe. - These conflicts illustrated the deep tensions between colonists and Native populations that would persist into the future.
Spanish Colonial Systems and Missionaries
Spanish Mission System (1.3) (-) - Established numerous churches with the primary goal of Christianizing Native Americans. - The system sought to save souls, but often at the cost of Native American traditions. - Introduced the Spanish language and European customs while relying heavily on indigenous labor.
French & Jesuit Priests (1.3) - Similar to the Spanish system, French missionaries like Father Hennepin sought to spread religion. - Father Hennepin: Explored the land and was captured by the Sioux. His eventual release highlighted both the dangers and the opportunities of working with Native tribes.
The Encomienda System of Labor (1.5) - A labor arrangement created by the Spanish crown to tax lower social classes. - Bartholomé de las Casas: The first to view Native Americans as "savable souls" and advocated for helping those enslaved under this system.
Spanish Racial and Social Hierarchies (1.5) - Class Structure (List A): 1. Spaniards born in Spain. 2. Persons born in New Spain. 3. Mestizos (born of Spanish and Native American parents). 4. Native American Indians. 5. Enslaved persons. - Cast System / Feudal Comparison (List B): 1. Priests (living in castles). 2. Warriors. 3. Merchants and landowners. 4. Peasants and servers.
Justifications for Slavery (1.6) - Colonists utilized religious, cultural, and racial justifications, including: - The belief that enslaved people lacked spirits. - The idea that they were being "saved" through conversion to Christianity. - Notions of European superiority. - The Encomienda system and the belief that certain groups were naturally more advanced than others.
Native American Resistance and Decline
Smallpox and Epidemics (1.4) - A major epidemic (noted in text as , though starting earlier) wiped out approximately of the Native American population. - Resulted in the complete loss of some tribal cultures and languages. - The massive death toll made it significantly easier for Europeans to colonize Native lands.
The Iroquois Confederacy (1.6) - Comprised of tribes working in unison, making them one of the last standing powerful Native groups. - They used joint military operations and alliances to maintain power. - The 3 D's: Most Native groups faced the "" — Disease, being seen as Disposable, and being Disorganized. The Iroquois Confederacy was the exception to this rule because of their power in unity. - Involved in notable conflicts including the French and Indian War and the War of (on the side of the British).
Additional Armed Resistance (1.6) - King Philip’s War: A major conflict between Native Americans and New England colonists. - Pope's Rebellion: A significant uprising of the Pueblo people against Spanish colonizers.