1. First Americans and The Age of Exploration

2. Migration to America ► Native Americans were the first Americans. They weren’t actually native. ► Native Americans migrated from Asia. They crossed a land bridge around 30,000 years ago.

3. Land Bridge ► During the Ice Age much of the Ocean was frozen which cause the water level to go down and expose land. ► People crossed from the land bridge from Asia to the Americas.

6. Nomads ► The people who crossed the land bridge were nomads. ► Nomads: people who move from place to place. They moved because they were hunters who followed migrating herds of animals. EX: Wooly Mammoth. ► When the Ice Age ended the ice melted and the land bridge was covered by water.

9. Agricultural Revolution ► Over time nomads learned how to plant and raise crops. ► Some of the first crops ever grown included pumpkins, maize, squash and beans. ► The shift to agriculture (farming) allowed people to abandon nomadic life and stay in one permanent place to tend to their crops. ► The agricultural revolution led to the formation of the first villages and new technologies such as tools for cutting, digging and grinding.

12. Civilizations ► As more people began to live in one place aspects of society developed like government, social classes and culture. ► People began to learn specialized skills and trades. ► Civilization: a highly organized society marked by trade, government, arts, sciences, and written language.

13. Civilizations 1500 B.C.-1500 A.D. ► Mesoamerica (Middle America)  Olmec: First to build a civilization in America  Maya: Used math and science. Created a calendar.  Toltec: Used precious metals such as gold and copper.  Aztec: Used military power to grow and control trade.

14. Mesoamerica

17. North America 1500 B.C.-1500 A.D.  Hohokam: elaborate irrigation systems  Anasazi: Used adobe to build Pueblos  Mississippian: Early mound builders. Mounds were used for burial grounds. Built large cities. EX Moundville, AL

20. Assessment Questions ► Directions: Restate the questions in your answer. Answer each question with at least 1-3 complete sentences. 1.How did the agricultural revolution lead to the formation of more highly organized civilizations? 2.What is a civilization and what is one characteristic of it? 3.Give an example of an early American civilization and tell about a significant accomplishment or part of their society.