Heimlich's History: AP U.S. History Unit 1 Overview

Introduction

• Part of the AP US History Ultimate Review Pack.
• Covers societal makeup of the Americas before European arrival and the effects post-arrival.

Native Societies Before European Arrival

• Diversity: Native Americans were diverse, with societies adapted to their environments.
  • Pueblo People (Utah/Colorado): Farmers, irrigation systems, clay brick urban centers, cliff dwellings.
  • Great Basin & Plains: Nomadic, hunter-gatherers, small kinship bands (e.g., Ute people).
  • Northwest & Pacific Coast: Permanent settlements due to abundant resources.
    • Example: Chumash people (California) with villages, trade networks.
    • Example: Chinook peoples, plank houses.
  • Iroquois People (Northeast): Farmers, lived in longhouses.
  • Mississippi River Valley: Rich soil, trade networks, Cahokia civilization, centralized government.

European Arrival and Motivations

• 1300s-1400s: European political unification and stronger states.
• Desire for Asian luxury goods: Muslims controlled land routes, prompting sea route exploration.
• Portugal's Trading Post Empire: Established around Africa, used new maritime technology.
• Spanish Involvement: Inspired by Portugal's success, Reconquest led to spreading Catholicism and seeking new markets.
  • Columbus (1492): Sailed west, landed in the Caribbean, sparked competition for exploration.

Columbian Exchange

• Definition: Exchange of people, animals, plants, diseases between hemispheres.
• From Americas to Europe: Potatoes, tomatoes, maize.
• From Europe to Americas: Wheat, rice, livestock.
• Diseases: Smallpox from Europeans devastated Native populations.
• Economic and societal shift in Europe: Wealth influx led to capitalism and joint-stock companies.

Spanish Colonization

• Encomienda System: Forced native labor on plantations and mines.
• African Slave Labor: Introduced due to declining Native populations and escape.
• Casta System: Social classes based on racial ancestry.

Interactions and Cultural Exchange

• Europeans exploited Native Americans but adopted useful cultural practices.
  • Native Influence on Europeans: Agricultural techniques, hunting skills.
  • European Influence on Natives: Tools, iron weapons.

Justifications for Treatment

• Spain's Beliefs: Some Europeans justified exploitation through belief systems, e.g., Sepulveda's views.
  • Opposition: Las Casas advocated for Native rights.
• Exploitation of Africans: Biblical interpretations used to justify slavery.

Conclusion

• Comprehensive understanding of Native societies, European motivations, and cultural exchanges is essential for AP US History success.
• Ultimate Review Packet available for further study assistance.