1. On the Eve of Colonization
What was life like in Europe and the Americas before contact? What was first contact like?
As Europe emerged from the middle ages, nation states began forming. For our purposes the formation of Spain into one nation is of particular importance.

2. Pre-Columbian Americas Land Bridge to the Americas

3. The Maya One of the earliest American cultures Peaked from 250 AD to 1000 AD

4. Originally from Northern Mexico, conquered Southern and Central Mexico around 1300 AD to 1400 AD
Warlike and highly organized religiously and politically
Aztec Empire

5. Inca Empire Highly sophisticated
Advanced road systems and terrace farming (especially potatoes)

6. Latin America Review Discussion
In your table groups describe the three large empires that existed in Pre-Columbian Latin America
In the question column of your notes, write questions corresponding to the notes you took

7. Medieval Europe
During the Middle Ages the people of Europe were by and large inward looking. Exploration was not important to most people. Also, during the middle ages education and literacy were almost completely confined to the monasteries.

8. The Renaissance A rebirth of European culture and learning
Happened first in the South, especially Italy
Art and architecture flourished
After the relative cultural decline of the middle ages, Europe saw a rebirth. This is often referred to as the Renaissance. This was literally a rebirth of European culture and learning.

9. The Drive for Discovery
The renaissance was a time of exploration, not just in art but in science and trade as well
Example: Prince Henry the Navigator of Portugal

10. Asian Trade Routes

11. Europe Review Discussion
In your table groups explain to each other some of the things leading Europe toward expansion and exploration
In the question column of your notes, write questions corresponding to the notes you took

12. Exploration, Contact, & Conquest
During the age of exploration there was an intense push to find new trade routes to Asia
Sailors began pushing further out from known waters and lands (most educated people believed that Earth was spherical, but had no idea how large it was)

13. Columbus Genoese sailor “Discovered” the Americas
Sparked European colonization of the New World

14. Ferdinand & Isabella Consolidated Spain’s power and wealth
Financed Columbus’ expedition

15. Columbus Reaches the New World
First landed in the Bahamas, then Hispaniola, but thought he landed in Asia
Made more voyages, established colonies, took gold and slaves

16. Columbus Review
In your table groups describe the means and motivation behind Columbus’ voyage
In the question column of your notes, write questions corresponding to the notes you took

17. Summarize the Main Ideas from the Lecture
Draw a horizontal line across the bottom of your note sheet
Below the line write a summary of the ideas in the lecture:
What was life like in Europe and the Americas before contact?

18. Christopher Columbus: Hero and Villain
Read the article about Columbus and first contact, highlighting the things you find interesting or important, then write at least a paragraph about whether Columbus was a more of a hero or more of a villain.
If you finish before class ends, begin your homework: textbook pp , #3, 5, 6, 7