Overview
This lecture covers the diversity and organization of Native American societies in the Americas before European arrival, emphasizing regional differences in culture, economy, and settlement.
Major Civilizations in Central & South America
- Three main civilizations: Aztec (Mexica), Maya, and Inca, each with large urban centers and complex political systems.
- Aztec (Mexica): Capital at Tenochtitlan, population of 300,000, written language, irrigation systems, and human sacrifice as part of religion.
- Maya: Located on the Yucatan Peninsula, built large cities, had irrigation and water storage, and constructed stone temples for divine rulers.
- Inca: Based in Andes Mountains (Peru), ruled 16 million people over 350,000 sq mi, practiced terrace farming and advanced irrigation.
Importance of Maize Cultivation
- Maize (corn) was a nutritious staple crop for all three civilizations.
- Spread of maize cultivation enabled economic development, population growth, advanced irrigation, and diverse societies in North America.
Native Societies in North America
American Southwest
- Pueblo people: Sedentary farmers in New Mexico and Arizona, built adobe/masonry homes and had organized societies.
Great Plains and Great Basin
- Populated by nomadic hunter-gatherers like the Ute, living in small, kin-based bands due to arid land.
Pacific Northwest and California
- Chinook: Lived in coastal fishing villages, built large cedar plank houses, relied on elk and fish.
- Chumash: Southern California hunter-gatherers, lived in permanent settlements where resources were sufficient.
Mississippi River Valley
- Fertile land supported large, settled societies like the Hopewell and Cahokia.
- Hopewell: Towns of 4,000–6,000, extensive trade networks.
- Cahokia: Largest settlement (10,000–30,000), centralized government with trade from Great Lakes to Gulf of Mexico.
Northeastern North America
- Iroquois: Lived in villages of hundreds, grew maize, squash, and beans, built longhouses for large family groups.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Maize — A corn-like crop central to Native American agriculture and society.
- Sedentary — Settled in one place; not nomadic.
- Hunter-gatherers — Societies that survive by hunting animals and gathering plants rather than farming.
- Irrigation — Artificial application of water to land for agriculture.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review and memorize key societies and regions for AP U.S. History Unit 1 Topic 2.
- Prepare for further study on European contact and its impact on Native societies.