1. The Creation of American Society 1450-1775 1

2. Worlds Collide European explorers claimed to have found a “new world” when they arrived in the Western hemisphere but it was only “new” to “old European eyes” It is estimated that some 45 million Native Americans claimed the “new world” as their land for over 9,500 years 2

3. Peopling the Continent Where did they come from? – Northeastern Asia – About 15,000 years ago – 13,000 B.C. – Across the Bering Strait – Continued south following food sources & settling 3

4. Mesoamerica Cultures of Ancient Mexico Olmecs – 1200 BC to 400 BC – Ceremonial centers/Ritual statues – Decline between 900 BC and 400 BC 4

5. Mayan civilization – A.D. 200 – Southern Mexico – Built spectacular cities – Hierarchal society King Nobles Merchants & Artisans Peasantry – Religion – Writing/Math/Calendars 5

6. The Aztecs – Aztec Empire 1325-1500 – Central Mexico The Incas Inca Empire 1440- 1524 Peru, South America 6

7. North American Civilizations The Mound Builders The Adena and the Hopewell 500 BC – 400 AD The Mississippian Cultures 800AD - discovery Cahokia Mounds The Cliff Dwellers The Anasazi The Pueblo ? – 1450 Four Corners-Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah 7

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