1. Many Cultures Meet 15,000 B.C. to 1492
U.S. History
Mr. Gonzalez

2. The American Indians
First settlers arrived between 40,000 to 15,000 years ago through Bering Strait
Different cultures emerge in different environments
Civilization thrives in Mesoamerica and Andes
Hunter-gatherers in North America
Religion is all about nature!

6. The Europeans Europe is “reborn” with Renaissance
Europeans want to trade for silks, gems, gold, ivory, and spices
Europeans start looking for new trade routes and begin “Age of Exploration”

9. The West Africans
There were highly sophisticated kingdoms like Songhai and Benin
Slave trade already existed within West Africa
Portuguese traders start to buy slaves
Eventually, 11 million Africans are sold to Europeans

12. The Rise of the Atlantic World
1492, Columbus discovers America
Spain creates a huge empire by defeating Aztecs and Incas
Rise of Spanish Conquistadores
The Columbian Exchange: Foods, goods, and diseases are exchanged in all parts of Atlantic World