Unit 1 New World Beginnings

The People of the Americas 35,000 years ago at the end of the Ice Age people from Asia came across the land bridge. Some debate whether they came by small boats. Expand throughout the 2 continents and split into multiple amounts of tribes.

Advanced civilizations Incas in Peru, Aztec in Mexico, and Maya in Central America, Mound Builders in Ohio Advanced agricultural practices of Maize allowed for the civilizations growth. Did not transfer evenly throughout the Americas Did not have large draft animals like in Europe. Limited technology including no wheel.

Why did the Europeans begin to explore? Crusades led to contact with far East and their goods. Goods of the Far East were extremely expensive passing through long distances either by sea or land. Europeans were looking for less expensive ways to get the goods. Marco Polo returned in 1295 with tales of China.

Portuguese develop the Caravel ship help to sail into the wind. Sub-Saharan Africa was now in contact. Set up trade posts for Slaves and Gold. Vasco de Gama reached India and returned with a shipment.

Spain’s Influence Spain looks to become more influential. Portugal has control of the main routes, Spain must look else where (WEST) Columbus comes to the King and Queen with a belief to sail west to India. Columbus was one of the most successful failures in History.

Impact of the discovery Discovery would impact 4 Continents: Europe provided the markets, capital, and technology. Africa furnished the labor (slaves) Americas furnished new raw materials.

Columbian Exchange What were some of the products intentionally brought to the new World? What were brought by accident? Which Items do you believe had the biggest impact on the development of the America’s?

Columbian Exchange From Europe –Diseases: smallpox, measles plague, typhus, flu, etc.etc - animlas: horses, cattle, pigs, chickens, sheep, goats, donkeys, rats, bees -plants: wheat, sugar, rice, barley, coffee, etc.etc. From America syphilis turkeys Corn, beans, peanuts, potatoes, tomatoes, chili, pineapples, guava, avocado

European Background Portuguese Dominate with east African trade trade prior to 1500, when Spanish challenge with new world colonies Pope intercedes to ensure peace with the Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494 – Spanish get everything west of Cape Verde (ends up being more than expected)

Spain dominates the new world with it’s American colonies until the Spanish Armada is defeated in Prior to the defeat Spain had dominated the seas with huge warships. By 1588, English ships (smaller but much faster), give them the advantage and freedom to colonize N. America. The timing of the battle however dooms the new English colony of Roanoke

Status of the Americas How different are the Americas from Europe in 1400? Up to 50 million people in the Americas in By 1600 that number has decreased to 4 million Over 1000 tribes in N.A. – What must they have thought about the devastation brought about by disease? Aztecs in Latin America are largest power in the Americas, governing an estimated 20 million people. Hated by their subjects Inca in S. America N. America much less organized (easier to conquer, but not as much treasure to plunder)