Collision of Cultures: United States History

Overview of the Age of Exploration

• Impact on Europe, the Americas, and Africa.

Focus Questions

1. Why were there diverse societies in the Americas before Europeans arrived?
2. Major developments in Europe that enabled exploration.
3. How did the Spanish conquer and colonize the Americas?
4. Effects of the Colombian Exchange on societies.
5. Influence of Spanish colonization on North American history.

Early Cultures in America

First Settlers

• Nomadic hunter-gatherers followed animal herds.
• By 7000 BC, many societies transitioned to farming.

Major Food Sources

• Maize, beans, and squash were staples, along with various regional crops.

Civilizations in Mesoamerica

The Maya

• Established permanent farming towns around 1500 BC.
• Culture collapsed around AD 900, possibly due to ecosystem impact.

The Aztecs (Mexica)

• Known for military prowess and human sacrifices.
• Dominated central Mexico with Tenochtitlán as their capital.

The Incas

• Centralized empire in the Andes with a sophisticated administrative system.
• Controlled agriculture, commerce, and employed a labor taxation system.

North American Indian Societies

Social Structure

• Kinship bonds were central to societal organization.
• Oral traditions preserved history and religious beliefs.

Gender Roles

• Men as hunters and leaders; women engaged in domestic roles and some held political power.

Distinct Civilizational Trends

1. Adena-Hopewell Culture: Flourished in the Midwest (800 BC - AD 600).
2. Mississippian Culture: Occupied regions east of the Mississippi (AD 800 - 1500).
3. Anasazi: Known for cliff dwellings and agriculture in arid regions.

European Views Before 1400

The Role of the Church

• The Catholic Church unified Europe post-Rome's fall, preserving learning and art.

Feudalism

• Political system where lords provided protection in exchange for service.

The Crusades

• Sparked interest in other cultures, products, and laid groundwork for exploration.

Rise of Nation-States

• Development of larger kingdoms led by monarchs (e.g., Spain, England, France).

Renaissance Influence

• Rediscovery of classical arts and humanism fueled exploration.

Technological Advancements

Navigation Tools

• Compasses, astrolabes, and caravels enabled longer sea voyages.

Increased Global Trade

• Shift from land-based to maritime trade opened new economic opportunities.

Columbus’s Voyages

Four Voyages (1492 - 1504)

1. First Voyage: Landed in the Bahamas, thought he reached Asia.
2. Second Voyage: Discovered Puerto Rico and established settlements.
3. Third Voyage: Explored South America; faced rebellion in settlements.
4. Final Voyage: Explored Central America before being shipwrecked.

The Spanish Empire

Territories and Administration

• New Spain (Mexico, Central America) and Peru (Lima).

Social Hierarchy

1. Peninsulares: Born in Spain, held top positions.
2. Creoles: Spanish descent, born in Americas; could not hold high office.
3. Mestizos: Mixed heritage of Native Americans and Spanish.
4. Slaves and Natives: Lowest in social structure.

Encomienda System

• Land grants to Spanish settlers in exchange for labor and conversion efforts.

The Colombian Exchange

Exchange of Goods and Diseases

• New World: Corn, potatoes, tobacco, etc.
• Old World: Wheat, coffee, horses, etc.
• Diseases decimated Native American populations (80-90% mortality).

Spanish Settlements in North America

Initial Colonial Efforts

• Ponce de León and the establishment of St. Augustine.
• Spanish viewed North America as a buffer against other European powers.

Spanish Missions

• Focused on converting and controlling Native American populations.

The Pueblo Revolt (1680)

• Led by Pope against Spanish colonization, temporarily regained control.

Conclusion: Impact of European Colonization

• Shaped demographics, cultures, and societal structures in the New World.
• Laid the groundwork for future conflicts and cultural exchanges.