American Colonies - Thesis & Context
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Questions and Answers

What was the capital of the Aztec Empire?

  • Cuzco
  • Tenochtitlan (correct)
  • Inca Trail
  • Machu Picchu

    • The Spanish brought diseases to the Aztecs that they were well prepared for.

    False

    What was a significant agricultural achievement of the Incan Empire?

    Irrigation system

    The famous site known for its amazing stone work and as a great hiding place is __________.

    <p>Machu Picchu</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following crops with their associated civilization:

    <p>Potatoes = Incan Empire Tomatoes = Incan Empire Cocoa = Incan Empire Cotton = Incan Empire</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What thesis is proposed about the American colonies?

    <p>The real story behind the American colonies is untold.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The history taught about American colonies primarily focuses on the experiences of Native Americans.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the author mean by describing colonizers as a 'CAST'?

    <p>The colonizers are the main actors in the historical narrative, while other groups are overlooked.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The traditional historical narrative has predominantly highlighted the experiences of __________ who came to colonize America.

    <p>white Europeans</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the perspectives with their significance:

    <p>White Europeans = Main actors in colonization Native Americans = Omitted from traditional narratives Enslaved peoples = Essential contributors to the history Women = Often overlooked in accounts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Taylor, what made it easier to write history in the past?

    <p>Focusing on a single cultural narrative.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Different individuals can experience the same event and have identical perspectives.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What challenge is presented in rewriting American history?

    <p>To expand the focus on all groups involved in the colonization, not just the white Europeans.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main focus of Francis Bacon's scientific philosophy?

    <p>Scientific inquiry and proof</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Galileo was the first to propose the theory of gravity.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the three G's that motivated exploration?

    <p>Glory, Gold, God</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The astrolabe is used to determine __________.

    <p>longitude</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What major event in 1453 blocked western European trade routes with the East?

    <p>Fall of Constantinople</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Prince Henry the Navigator established a navigation school in Spain.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who was the explorer that first successfully sailed around the tip of Africa to reach India?

    <p>Vasco da Gama</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Venice profited greatly from the __________ by controlling trade routes.

    <p>Ottoman trade restrictions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which invention was NOT mentioned as a technological advancement aiding exploration?

    <p>Steam engine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Latitude can be scientifically proven based on the seasons.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following explorers with their achievements:

    <p>Bartholomew Diaz = First to reach the tip of Africa Vasco da Gama = First to reach India by sea Christopher Columbus = Explored the Americas Ferdinand Magellan = First to circumnavigate the globe</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary reason Spain and Portugal sought to explore new routes?

    <p>To bypass Venice and the Ottoman Turks for trade</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The __________ was a bridge created during the Ice Age that allowed migration between continents.

    <p>Beringia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the motivation behind the Commercial Revolution?

    <p>Increased trade and commerce</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main purpose of evidence-based reasoning?

    <p>To draw conclusions based on data</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of the three perspectives discussed during the exploration/colonization time period?

    <p>Ethno-history</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Secularism promotes the integration of religion into public life.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term describes the period of renewed interest in classical Greco-Roman ideas from 1300 to 1600?

    <p>Renaissance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Racism as a concept existed before the colonial period.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Martin Luther posted his list of grievances, known as the ___ Thesis.

    <p>95</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who was the Roman emperor that converted to Christianity?

    <p>Emperor Constantine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Christianity was spread through the teachings of Jesus Christ and his _____ called Apostles.

    <p>followers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which family was known for sponsoring many artists during the Renaissance?

    <p>Medici</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their correct descriptions:

    <p>Constantine = Moved the capital from Rome to Constantinople Islam = Founded by Muhammad around 600 CE Great Schism = The split of Christianity into two branches Crusades = Military campaigns sanctioned by the Church</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Protestant Reformation resulted in the increased power of the Catholic Church.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one of the three big ideas of the Renaissance.

    <p>Humanism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of the reasons for moving the capital to Constantinople?

    <p>It offered a defensible position.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The invention of the ___ allowed Martin Luther to spread his ideas widely.

    <p>printing press</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church have the same leadership structure.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which two major groups emerged from the Great Schism of 1054?

    <p>Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following figures with their contributions:

    <p>Martin Luther = 95 Thesis Galileo = Father of Modern Science Copernicus = Heliocentric theory Kepler = Mapping star movements</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Renaissance and the Scientific Revolution significantly influenced the __________ of America.

    <p>building</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does humanism prioritize?

    <p>Human potential and achievements</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term refers to viewing history as a series of events leading to a predetermined outcome?

    <p>Teleology</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Classicism involves the study of modern scientific ideas.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was Galileo famously known for challenging?

    <p>Church teachings about the earth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Emperor Constantine legalized Christianity, leading to its widespread acceptance.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The secular separation from religion in society focuses on ___ matters.

    <p>worldly</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What were the two groups involved in the ancient trading networks in the Mediterranean?

    <p>Christian-ruled states and Muslim states</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the Renaissance bring a renewed interest in?

    <p>Ancient Greek and Roman ideas</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The term 'BC' stands for 'Before _____'.

    <p>Christ</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary impact of Renaissance thought on the church?

    <p>Increased questioning of church authority</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is considered a key theme in the building of America?

    <p>Trade</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following historical events with their significance:

    <p>Papal authority = Centralized in Rome Priests' marital status = Priests in the Eastern Orthodox Church can marry Sacred language = Roman Catholics use Latin Services structure = Eastern Orthodox services are in local language</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of the main motivations behind the First Crusade?

    <p>Greed for land and wealth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Crusades were solely about religious motivations.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What economic impact did the Crusades have on Europe?

    <p>Increased trade and the development of trade routes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The ______ Plague was responsible for the death of more than a third of Italy's population.

    <p>Black</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following cities with their roles during the Commercial Revolution:

    <p>Venice = Crusaders' trading base Genoa = Sponsor of Atlantic exploration</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following was NOT a reason people joined the Crusades?

    <p>To establish a new religion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The silk road was primarily used for trade between Africa and the Americas.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What new items were introduced to Europe as a result of the Crusades?

    <p>Pepper and silk.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The __________ __________ was a time of rapid trade and business growth in Europe, occurring around the 1500s-1600s.

    <p>Commercial Revolution</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following effects with their respective details:

    <p>Black Plague = High mortality and social upheaval Crusades = Increase in trade routes Commercial Revolution = Emergence of banking systems Renaissance = Focus on humanism and empirical observation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which religious leader initiated the First Crusade?

    <p>Pope Urban II</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Eastern Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church were in complete agreement about the Crusades.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did survivors of the Black Plague experience in the aftermath?

    <p>Increased health and economic opportunities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During the Crusades, the Pope promised fighters a remission of __________.

    <p>sins</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following was a major goal of the Crusades?

    <p>Reclaiming Jerusalem</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary goal of Christopher Columbus' voyage in 1492?

    <p>To find a faster route to the Indies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Columbus successfully realized he had discovered a new continent during his voyages.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which three ships did Columbus sail on his first voyage?

    <p>Nina, Pinta, Santa Maria</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Columbus called the island he landed on __________.

    <p>San Salvador</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the term with its description:

    <p>Encomienda system = Forced labor system that enslaved indigenous people Mesoamerica = Region that includes middle America Indigenous people = Native people of the Americas Conquistador = Conqueror of land and cultures</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What major misconception did Columbus have about his voyage?

    <p>He believed he had discovered a new route to India.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Columbus made a total of five trips to the Americas.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Amerigo Vespucci realize about the lands Columbus had encountered?

    <p>They were not part of the Indies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The __________ were the natives living on the islands Columbus encountered.

    <p>Arawaks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following civilizations with their characteristics:

    <p>Mayan = Known for math, science, and culture Aztec = Warrior society that controlled Central Mexico Arawaks = First indigenous people Columbus encountered Incas = Empire known for their architecture and agriculture</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of the negative impacts of Columbus' voyages on the indigenous populations?

    <p>Spread of diseases to which they had no immunity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Columbus was celebrated by all of Spain upon his return from the Americas.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary motivation behind the Spanish encomienda system?

    <p>To extract labor from indigenous people for agricultural and mining work.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The cycle of colonization includes sending explorers, conquistadors, missionaries, and __________.

    <p>permanent settlers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Columbus' descriptions of the natives change over time?

    <p>He portrayed them as savage cannibals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    American Colonies - Thesis & Context

    • The book, American Colonies by Alan Taylor, argues that traditional American history has largely ignored the experiences of non-white Europeans, Native Americans, and enslaved Africans.

    • Historical accounts often focused solely on white European colonists, creating a biased and incomplete narrative.

    • This oversight stems from a prioritization of the European experience and a tendency to neglect perspectives outside this narrow scope.

    Taylor's Critical Analysis

    • Taylor compares historical writing to a play, where white Europeans are the primary characters while other groups are relegated to supporting roles, despite their crucial contribution.

    • This suggests an imbalance in historical accounts, emphasizing the need to include diverse viewpoints.

    Defining American History

    • When should American history actually begin? Various points are suggested: (Norse arrival, Siberian migrations, before English departure.)

    • Colonists' lives weren't universally better than those in Europe, and the success depended on the individual and their circumstances.

    • Murrin's point: "Losers outnumbered the winners," highlights the imbalance in historical records that favor the victors.

    Historical Perspectives - Understanding Bias

    • The concept of racism as a central factor didn't emerge until European colonization, shifting from a focus on wealth, religion, and nationalism.

    • The colonies saw the British create a militia, emphasizing the colonists' role in defense instead of a standing army.

    • This historical examination is helpful yet needs to be nuanced and balanced.

    Historical Lenses

    • Teleology: A linear view of history with a predetermined outcome. This approach can obscure critical details, emotions, and contingencies.

    • Contingency: Acknowledges multiple possibilities at any given moment, considering the choices and actions that resulted in the eventual outcome.

    Connecting Europe & America

    • American history is inextricably linked to European history, reflecting the foundations of America's development.

    • The core elements shaping America include religion, trade, the Renaissance, and the scientific revolution.

    Religion & The Spread of Christianity

    • Christianity's spread through Europe, primarily due to Emperor Constantine's conversion in 313 CE, drastically altered Roman society.

    • The movement of the capital from Rome to Constantinople facilitated the spread of Christianity.

    Muslim Influence

    • Islam emerged around 600 CE, establishing significant trade networks that connected the East and West Asian continents with the Mediterranean.

    • Islam shaped the Mediterranean trade and had a critical impact on Europe's trade patterns.

    The Great Schism

    • The Great Schism in 1054 led to a split in the Christian Church, creating the Roman Catholic Church in Western Europe and the Eastern Orthodox Church in Eastern Europe

    The Crusades

    • The Crusades (1096-1270) involved a complex interplay of religious and political motivations, including gaining control of Jerusalem and protecting the Eastern Orthodox Church.

    Economic Impacts & The Black Death

    • The Black Death (Bubonic Plague) had profound social and economic consequences, leading to a subsequent boom from increased labor demand.

    • Trade routes played a major role in shaping interactions between different cultures and spreading valuable goods, as well as disease.

    Commercial Revolution & The Renaissance

    • The Commercial Revolution, marked by increased trade and economic growth, had roots in events like the Crusades and spread of ideas from the east and from within Europe.

    • Venice and Genoa were key players in maritime trade. Venice benefited from Crusader traffic, gaining control of spice routes.

    • Genoa focused more on banking, with ambitions to grow their economy through trade.

    Key Developments Before Exploration

    • European developments including the Renaissance helped drive European exploration. The development of the printing press played a key, central role in dissemination.

    European Exploration Motivations

    • The three G's: Glory, Gold, and God, represent the key motivations that drove European exploration, which were tied to political, economic, and religious ambitions.

    Exploration & The 3 Gs:

    • Portugal’s explorations were heavily oriented toward finding alternative trade routes and gaining economic advantages.

    The Voyages of Exploration

    • Portugal and Spain's explorers sought to circumvent trade routes controlled by other nations. Important voyages include those of Diaz and Da Gama.

    Columbus's Voyages

    • Columbus, seeking a western route to Asia, "discovered" the Americas. This event marked a turning point in European history, initiating the exchange between the Old and New Worlds and profoundly impacting indigenous populations.

    Columbus's Legacy

    • Columbus was a complex figure and his actions had both positive and negative consequences. The impact of his voyages on Europe and the Americas continue affecting us today through the global economy and the impact on indigenous peoples.

    Colonialization Cycle

    • Steps involved in colonization, illustrating the patterns of conquest, conversion, and settlement. The Encomienda system was a method of forced labor that enslaved Indigenous peoples.

    Indigenous Cultures

    • Indigenous populations across the Americas, such as the Mayans, Aztecs, and Incas, developed complex societies and sophisticated systems of agriculture, trade, and governance.

    • The impacts of European diseases decimated these populations.

    • The Spanish conquest of the Aztecs and the Inca exemplifies the destructive consequences of European colonization.

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    Description

    Explore the critical insights of Alan Taylor's American Colonies, which highlights the overlooked contributions of non-white Europeans, Native Americans, and enslaved Africans in American history. This quiz challenges you to think about the narratives we prioritize and the historical biases in traditional accounts.

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