PRECOLUMBIAN AMERICA

The Southern Hemisphere Mayan – Advanced civilization with sophisticated culture Aztec – Warlike tribe that conquered the Mayans; harsh religious traditions; Large cities and the im- portance of agriculture Inca – Complex political system stretching over a wide area

NORTHERN HEMISPERE Eastern – North and South both engaged in farming, hunting, gathering and fishing; often mobile tribes moving every few years; fragile alliances led to lack of unity. Great Plains – sedentary lifestyle focused on farming (buffalo hunting comes later) Southwest – arid region led to the construction of large irrigation systems and substantial towns; dwellings were stone and adobe terraced structures (Pueblos) Great Basin – nomadic tribes that utilized mobility to secure scarce food supplies Pacific Northwest – Permanent settlements along the coast focused on fishing salmon

Impact of Maize cultivation sedentary lifestyle Significant population growth Advanced civilizations with elaborate social customs and rituals Religious beliefs focused on nature Women played a powerful role in society and the family in most tribes

EUROPEAN INCURSION Spain and Portugal – brutal treatment of native population in their search for riches - Encomienda System – failed due to the natives inability to survive - African Slavery – becomes the answer to Europeans in regard to labor - The Spanish do try to convert the natives as they build a series of missions on the frontier

France and Britain French and Dutch – - trade alliances - intermarriage - imp. of religion British - imp. Of agricult. - need for land - large populations - frequent wars

COLUMBIAN EXCHANGE - Crops and livestock exchanged between the Old and new worlds Impact of horses Impact of disease

EUROCENTRIC VIEW OF THE WORLD Most Europeans viewed the natives as savages - justification for taking land - feeling of moral super- iority - led to frequent wars with atrocities committed on both sides