1. The history of the United States 1492-1865 LECTURE ONE András Tarnóc PhD

2. The Age of Discoveries Europe’s political landscape in the fifteenth century Leading powers Spain, France, England Expansion of Ottoman Empire

3. The Crisis of Feudalism Political aspect: Centralization Spain: Reconquista, England Henry VII, France, Charles VII Economic aspect: Rise of Maritime Merchant States Venice, Genoa, accumulation of capital Challenge to feudal order, rise of the middle class

4. The crisis of feudalism Cultural aspect: Renaissance, Humanism Man is in the center, self-realization becomes important Technological aspect: New navigation devices, astrolabe, caravel light weight sailing ship, cannons can be attached Book printing, the movable type, democratization of the accessibility of information, Marco Polo’s Travels

5. European colonization First colonial power Portugal Prince Henry the Navigator 1415: Ceuta Use of caravels, Bartholomew Diaz reaches the Southern tip of Africa, Vasco da Gama, reaches India

6. The rise of Spain Challenge: Spain United by Reconquista The realization of the challenge Columbus First astronaut using the achievements of contemporary science and technology Caravel, astrolabe, map of Toscanelli

7. Motivation for colonization God: religious expansionism, spreading of Christianity Gold: material wealth, Glory: aggrandizement for ruler or state, personal fame

8. NUEVA ESPANA Main features: Tight centralized control Gender-based colonization Mestizo population, Cruelty to Natives Black Legend Zacatecas, Batholomeo Las Casas Transplantation of feudal institutions: encomienda Infusion of hard currency, gold, silver into Europe, inflation in the continent

9. THE BEGINNINGS OF BRITISH NORTH AMERICA German Reformation: 1517 Martin Luther: 95 Theses salvation through direct relationship with God Calvin in Geneva Predestination Puritans English Reformation: Henry VIII 1534 Act of Supremacy

10. Demands of Puritans eliminate church hierarchy, establishment of independent church membership should be based on predestination

11. Political basis: Spanish-English rivalry 1567 Elizabeth I offers clandestine support to Dutch rebels against Prince Alba during the revolution in the Spanish Netherlands 1577. Francis Drake’s piracy 1588 Defeat of the Gran Armada

12. Reasons for colonization Overpopulation Economic crisis Society wide dissatisfaction Religious persecution

13. Early efforts at colonization Claim: John Cabot, or Giovanni Caboto 1497: New Foundland First colony: Roanoke Colony fails, lack of agricultural skills, Search for gold, Only tangible result: Virginia Dare first English person born in the New World