APUSH Unit 1

Unlike the Americas, the Indigenous native population was very diverse as they spoke different language, and had different cultures because of the tribes they were affiliated with.

• Nomadic tribes, Massive cities, Semi-permanent settlements

• Most importantly, maize shaped how complex societies became, and how nomadic tribes began to fall because they could simply grow their food.

Maize cultivation led to:

• Developed trade networks between societies

• Permanent settlements

• Advanced irrigation techniques → More population increase

• Social hierarchies began to form as complex societies began to grow

Areas like the Great Basin and the Great Plains were very nomadic due to the hot climate, and had domestic roles where men hunted and women gathered (Ute).

The Northeastern, Mississippian, and Atlantic Coast region was much different however, as they were able to house up to 4000-6000 people, not nomadic, and developed complex societies using the rivers to trade (Hopewell People, Iroquois, Cherokee)

The Pacific Coast also had permanent settlements, but used fishing rather than agriculture to their advantage (Chinook, Chumash).