Lecture Notes on Indigenous America

Introduction

• Lecturer: Dr. James Strickler
• Focus: Chapter 1 of The American Yop, "Indigenous America"

European Exploration and the New World

• Leif Erikson: First known European to reach the New World in Newfoundland, Canada.
• Christopher Columbus: Rediscovered the New World in 1492.

Historical Context

• Roman Empire Collapse: Led to the Middle Ages or Dark Ages in Europe.
• Middle Ages: A period of regression in Europe, leading to smaller kingdoms and cultural decline.

Rise of Islam

• Spread of Islam impacted Europe, reaching Constantinople and Spain.
• European Reaction: Initiated the Crusades to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslims.

Impact of the Crusades

• Exposure to Eastern goods led to increased European demand.
• Silk Road: Facilitated trade from the East, increasing European interests in Asian goods.

European Exploration Efforts

• Portuguese Exploration: Led by Henry the Navigator and Vasco da Gama, who found a sea route to India.
• Portuguese Trade: Involved trading goods with African natives who offered slaves in exchange.

Spanish Unification and Exploration

• Reconquista: The unification of Spain under Isabella and Ferdinand and the expulsion of Muslims.
• Christopher Columbus: Sponsored by Spain to find a westerly route to Asia, inadvertently discovered the Americas.

Impact of Columbus's Voyages

• Naming of the Americas: After Amerigo Vespucci recognized the New World as separate from Asia.
• Columbian Exchange: Exchange of goods and ideas between the Old and New Worlds.

Indigenous Peoples of the Americas

• Pre-Columbian Migration: Migration across Beringia during the last ice age.
• Settlement: Evidence of natives in the Americas by 12,500 B.C.
• Myth vs. Reality: Native Americans practiced agriculture, modified environments, and engaged in warfare and slavery.

Major Indigenous Civilizations

• Puebloan Civilization: Known for structures such as Mesa Verde and Pueblo Bonito.
• Mississippian Mound Builders: Built mounds, significant site at Cahokia.
• Mayan and Aztec Empires: Advanced civilizations with significant contributions and eventual collapse.

European Conquest

• Conquistadors: Spanish soldiers like Hernan Cortes (Aztecs) and Francisco Pizarro (Incas) exploited native divisions and diseases to conquer.
• Spanish Colonization: Establishment of cities like St. Augustine and Santa Fe.

Consequences of European Contact

• Diseases: Devastated native populations due to lack of immunity.
• Technological Disparities: Europeans had advanced technology, weapons, and domesticated animals.

Social Structure in New Spain

• Encomienda System: Grants of land and labor from natives to Spaniards.
• Caste System: Social hierarchy with peninsulares at the top and natives at the bottom.

Conclusion

• Historical Perspective: Recognizes the brutality and complexities of European and indigenous interactions.
• Preview: Future discussions on the African slave trade and American history.