American Indian Societies (Time Period 1.1 - 1.2)

Page 1

• Overview of American Indian societies prior to European contact.

Page 3

Transfer & Spread of Maize Cultivation

• Historical Significance: Corn cultivation in Arizona and New Mexico predates 2,000 B.C.

• Cultivation Requirements:

  • Corn requires human care; it does not grow wild.

  • Needs complex irrigation due to its sensitivity to water (cannot last more than 30 days without it).

Page 4

The Discovery of Corn: A Mexicolore Origin Story

• Cultural Importance: Origin stories shape national identity and history.

• Key Questions:

  • What does the story reveal about the Aztec people?

  • What is the relationship between the Aztec and corn?

  • How do people and the earth interact?

  • Impact on socio-political development of the Aztec civilization.

• Symbolism: Corn as the axis mundi, connecting heavens, earth, and underworld.

Page 5

Three Sisters Farming

• Methodology: Planting corn, beans, and squash together for mutual benefits.

  • Corn provides structure for beans.

  • Beans enrich the soil with nitrogen.

  • Squash's prickly leaves deter weeds and pests.

• Cultural Significance: This method was widespread among indigenous peoples, indicating shared agricultural knowledge.

Page 6

Central & South American Civilizations

• Key Civilizations:

  • Inca: Located in the Andes, present-day Peru (Machu Picchu).

  • Maya: Found in the Yucatan Peninsula (Temple of the Magician, Uxmal).

  • Aztec: Central Mexico (Temple of the Sun and Moon, Teotihuacán).

Page 7

North American Indian Societies (1491-1607)

• Diversity: Approximately 50 different Indian populations in present-day US (156 distinct ethnic groups in the Americas).

• Cultural Adaptation: Societies shaped by their environments, influencing:

  • Way of life and primary food sources across regions (Arctic, Northeast, Plains, Southeast, Southwest).

  • The impact of maize and European contact.

Page 9

European Colonization

• Colonial Powers: Spanish, French, Dutch, and English.

• Factors Influencing Relationships:

  • Religion and evangelism.

  • Resource extraction and labor needs.

  • Competition among European powers, particularly with Portugal.

Page 10

The Columbian Exchange

• Exchange of Goods:

  • North America: Peanuts, potatoes, corn, beans.

  • Europe: Cassava, tomatoes, vanilla, peppers.

  • Asia: Pineapples, squash.

  • Africa: Tobacco, grains, livestock.

• Disease Transmission: Introduction of diseases like smallpox and influenza to the Americas.

Page 14

Columbus Arrives in the Americas (October 12, 1492)

• Initial Encounters: Columbus's gifts to natives and their reciprocation.

• Observations: Descriptions of the natives' physical appearance and lifestyle.

Page 15

Patterns of Atlantic Encounter

• Comparison: Similarities and differences in encounters between the Americas and other parts of the world during the Age of Discovery.

• Moctezuma's Reaction: Shock and fear in response to Spanish technology and presence.

Page 16

Estimated Native American Population of Mexico (1518-1593)

• Population Decline: Graph showing the decrease in Native American population over the years due to European contact and disease.

Page 17

Asian Societies and the Ottoman Empire

• Global Context: Overview of significant Asian empires during the same period, including the Ming Dynasty and Mughal Empire.

Page 18

Video Review: Native Americans (1491-1607)

• Summary: Review of key themes and events related to Native American societies befo