America -- A Narrative History -- David
Emory Shi -- Chapter 1
Beginning of the Slave Trade in the Western Hemisphere - ANS1503, the main countries were
Portugal and Spain
Toll of infectious diseases on the Native American people - ANS90% of Native Americans died
from European-borne diseases. Worst proportional death toll in history.
Theodore de Bry and his effect on North America - ANSTheodore de Bry never set foot in the
Americas. His paintings shaped European opinions of Native Americans in the 16th century,
presenting as inhuman beasts and savages
Broken Mammoth, Alaska - ANSOldest traces of human activity in the Bering region(North
America)
Clovis people - ANSEarliest known people to be in America, used "Clovis" spearheads to kill
Wooly Mammoths
Paleo-Indians - ANSSkilled hunter-gatherers who slowly moved south
Native American Transition to agricultural societies - ANSAround 7000 BCE, indigenous people
settled down and grew plants such as maize, beans, and squash
Importance of maize - ANSViewed as "gift of the gods" for providing many essential needs.
Beginning of Mayans - ANS1500 B.C.E. farming towns appeared in Mexico. Sophisticated
communities popped up.
Mayan culture - ANSThe Mayans developed a written language, highly effective infrastructure
across Mesoamerica, and a system of governance.
Demise of the Mayan Empire - ANSMostly a mystery, however ecological causes were
extremely important. Deforestation and destruction of the rain forest along with overpopulation.
Mayans were defeated by the Toltecs
Incan Empire - ANS2,500 mile empire with 20 languages along the Andes. Huge infrastructure
improvements throughout the empire.
Aztecs(Mexica) - ANSAggressive conquerors took control of central Mexico, built Tenochtitlan.
, Aztec Empire - ANSDivided into 2 classes, nobles and others. Included 371 city states in 38
provinces. Aztecs developed elaborate societies and complicated political structures, along with
efficient farming techniques. Diverse culture.
Aztec religion - ANSMultiple gods, connected the elements. Heavily important sacrifices.
North American tribes - ANSSocieties blossomed in the early 1500 B.C.E. Rich oral traditions,
many believed in spirits and ghosts.
North American Native warfare - ANSCourage in combat was the highest virtue, small-scale
raids and minimal casualties.
Native American Government - ANSBarely any absolute rulers. Leaders had to persuade their
people. Chiefs were chosen according to merit. Exile most feared punishment
Southwest Native Americans - ANSHopis and Zunis(etc.) lived in pueblos. Built irrigation and
had a rich culture. No class structures.
Northwest Native Americans - ANSHeavily focused on hunting and gathering. Resource heavy,
tribes only needed to work 2 days out of the week to gather food. Carved totem poles. Divided
into 3 classes slaves, commoners, chiefs.
Great Plains Native Americans - ANSNomadic hunter gathers tracked herds of buffalo across
the plains. Animals were willing sacrifices provided by the gods.
Mississippian Native Americans - ANSMound building cultures, including the Great Serpent
Mound. Agricultural communities, developed massive trading networks.
Cahokia Native Americans - ANSSouthwest Illinois. Constructed massive farms, hosted nearly
15,000 people. Collapsed due to ecological issues(probably).
Algonquians - ANSStretched all across the Eastern Seaboard. Village size usually 500-2000
people. Foragers and growers.
Iroquoians - ANSSouth and West of the Algonquians. Lived in extended family groups 3000 or
more. Women maintained important positions within the clan.
Eastern Woodland Indians - ANSGulf of Mexico, Rigid class structure but women had positions
of power.
Changes in Europe around the 15th century - ANSSerfdom disintegrated, a new middle-class
emerged fueled by innovation. Kings were able to concentrate power through divine right.
Emory Shi -- Chapter 1
Beginning of the Slave Trade in the Western Hemisphere - ANS1503, the main countries were
Portugal and Spain
Toll of infectious diseases on the Native American people - ANS90% of Native Americans died
from European-borne diseases. Worst proportional death toll in history.
Theodore de Bry and his effect on North America - ANSTheodore de Bry never set foot in the
Americas. His paintings shaped European opinions of Native Americans in the 16th century,
presenting as inhuman beasts and savages
Broken Mammoth, Alaska - ANSOldest traces of human activity in the Bering region(North
America)
Clovis people - ANSEarliest known people to be in America, used "Clovis" spearheads to kill
Wooly Mammoths
Paleo-Indians - ANSSkilled hunter-gatherers who slowly moved south
Native American Transition to agricultural societies - ANSAround 7000 BCE, indigenous people
settled down and grew plants such as maize, beans, and squash
Importance of maize - ANSViewed as "gift of the gods" for providing many essential needs.
Beginning of Mayans - ANS1500 B.C.E. farming towns appeared in Mexico. Sophisticated
communities popped up.
Mayan culture - ANSThe Mayans developed a written language, highly effective infrastructure
across Mesoamerica, and a system of governance.
Demise of the Mayan Empire - ANSMostly a mystery, however ecological causes were
extremely important. Deforestation and destruction of the rain forest along with overpopulation.
Mayans were defeated by the Toltecs
Incan Empire - ANS2,500 mile empire with 20 languages along the Andes. Huge infrastructure
improvements throughout the empire.
Aztecs(Mexica) - ANSAggressive conquerors took control of central Mexico, built Tenochtitlan.
, Aztec Empire - ANSDivided into 2 classes, nobles and others. Included 371 city states in 38
provinces. Aztecs developed elaborate societies and complicated political structures, along with
efficient farming techniques. Diverse culture.
Aztec religion - ANSMultiple gods, connected the elements. Heavily important sacrifices.
North American tribes - ANSSocieties blossomed in the early 1500 B.C.E. Rich oral traditions,
many believed in spirits and ghosts.
North American Native warfare - ANSCourage in combat was the highest virtue, small-scale
raids and minimal casualties.
Native American Government - ANSBarely any absolute rulers. Leaders had to persuade their
people. Chiefs were chosen according to merit. Exile most feared punishment
Southwest Native Americans - ANSHopis and Zunis(etc.) lived in pueblos. Built irrigation and
had a rich culture. No class structures.
Northwest Native Americans - ANSHeavily focused on hunting and gathering. Resource heavy,
tribes only needed to work 2 days out of the week to gather food. Carved totem poles. Divided
into 3 classes slaves, commoners, chiefs.
Great Plains Native Americans - ANSNomadic hunter gathers tracked herds of buffalo across
the plains. Animals were willing sacrifices provided by the gods.
Mississippian Native Americans - ANSMound building cultures, including the Great Serpent
Mound. Agricultural communities, developed massive trading networks.
Cahokia Native Americans - ANSSouthwest Illinois. Constructed massive farms, hosted nearly
15,000 people. Collapsed due to ecological issues(probably).
Algonquians - ANSStretched all across the Eastern Seaboard. Village size usually 500-2000
people. Foragers and growers.
Iroquoians - ANSSouth and West of the Algonquians. Lived in extended family groups 3000 or
more. Women maintained important positions within the clan.
Eastern Woodland Indians - ANSGulf of Mexico, Rigid class structure but women had positions
of power.
Changes in Europe around the 15th century - ANSSerfdom disintegrated, a new middle-class
emerged fueled by innovation. Kings were able to concentrate power through divine right.
