Civilizations of the Americas and Global Exchange

Study Notes

Olmecs, Incas, Mayans, Aztecs

Olmecs, Incas, Mayans, and Aztecs were prominent civilizations in the Americas.
Each civilization developed unique cultures, social structures, and advancements in areas like agriculture, architecture, and art.

Old World vs. New World

The "Old World" refers to Eurasia and Africa, and the "New World" refers to the Americas.
The differences in the environment, resources and the biological makeup of plants and animals played a key role in driving the course of developments in the two hemispheres.
The Columbian exchange, a transfer of plants, animals, diseases, and ideas between the Old and New Worlds, significantly impacted both continents.

Guns, Germs, and Steel

This theory posits that the Old World's environmental and geographic advantages (e.g., the availability of certain plants and animals) led to earlier development of agriculture and technology.
This, coupled with disease resistance and the ability to mobilize resources for warfare, allowed Old World civilizations to conquer the New World.

Colombian Exchange

The exchange involved the transfer of crops, domestic animals, and diseases between the Old and New Worlds.
The exchange had profound consequences, altering agriculture, demographics, and economies for both hemispheres.

Quebec Independence Movement

A political movement advocating for Quebec's separation from Canada.

Top 3 Religions in Europe

Christianity, Islam, and Judaism

European Languages

Slavic Languages: Examples include Russian, Polish, Ukrainian, and Czech. These languages derive from the Cyrillic alphabet.
Romance Languages: Examples include Italian, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Romanian. They are derived from Latin.
Germanic Languages: Examples include English, Dutch, and German.

Religions in Detail

Christianity: A monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Christian scripture includes the Bible.
Islam: A monotheistic religion centered on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. Islam's holy book is the Quran.
Judaism: A monotheistic religion that emphasizes the covenant between God and the Jewish people. Its holy book is the Torah.

Description

Explore the distinctive cultures of the Olmecs, Incas, Mayans, and Aztecs, their advancements, and societal structures. Understand the contrasting developments between the Old World and New World, including the significant impact of the Columbian exchange. Delve into the theories of Guns, Germs, and Steel to comprehend how geography influenced civilization growth.