Native American History Before Columbus

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Questions and Answers

What was the estimated population of America before European arrivals?

20,000

1 million

4 million (correct)

10 million

Which agricultural practice was developed by the Native Americans?

Maritime agriculture

Three-Sister Farming (correct)

Hydroponic farming

Single-crop farming

Who were the first known European discoverers of America?

Christopher Columbus

The Spanish

The French

The Vikings (correct)

What was one of the significant technological advancements made by Portugal for exploration?

Caravel Signup and view all the answers

What fueled the demand for imported goods in Europe during the Renaissance?

Growth in population and commerce Signup and view all the answers

What was one effect of the population decline in Europe during the Black Death?

Emergence of a new merchant class Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary motivation behind the exploration advancements in Portugal?

Economic gain Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the condition of North American tribes at the time of European arrival?

Sparse, small and scattered villages Signup and view all the answers

What evidence suggests the migration patterns of the early inhabitants of America?

Migration primarily occurred through the Bering Land Bridge. Signup and view all the answers

Which civilization was known for its advanced agricultural practices, particularly the cultivation of maize?

Incas Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable feature of the Anasazi civilization in North America?

They created intricate irrigation systems in a desert environment. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characteristics define the Mississippian Culture?

They left behind large burial and temple mounds. Signup and view all the answers

What factors contributed to the development of civilizations in Central and South America?

The ability to cultivate maize and other crops. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the Aztec civilization is true?

They practiced human sacrifices on a large scale. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant feature of the Cahokia settlement in the Mississippi River Valley?

It was known for wide-spread trade and skilled farming. Signup and view all the answers

What is one mystery surrounding the Anasazi civilization?

The reason for their disappearance around 1300 AD. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Native America Before Columbus

Estimated population: 54 million in North and South America upon Columbus' arrival.
Migration theories suggest some used crude boats, potentially from Europe, while most crossed the Bering Strait land bridge (Beringia) as nomadic hunters and gatherers.
Migration led to the formation of countless tribes, over 2,000 languages, and rich diverse cultures and religions.

Development of Civilizations

Advanced agricultural practices, especially maize cultivation, spurred growth of sophisticated civilizations in Central and South America.
Key civilizations included:
- Incas: Located in Peru.
- Mayans: Resided in Central America.
- Aztecs: Predominantly in Mexico, with an estimated population of 20 million.
Achievements included elaborate cities, extensive trade routes, complex languages, numerical systems, and accurate calendars.
Religions were polytheistic; human sacrifices, particularly by the Aztecs, were a common practice.

North American Civilizations

Civilizations north of Mesoamerica were less elaborate but significant.
Agricultural development was inconsistent, first flourishing in the Southwest with the Pueblo culture and irrigation systems.
The Anasazi were the oldest known civilization, known for:
- Agriculture focusing on corn and grains.
- Permanent settlements with stone/adobe structures in Chaco Valley and Mesa Verde.
- Mysterious disappearance circa 1300 AD, possibly due to drought or warfare.
Mississippian Culture thrived in the Mississippi River Valley, notable for burial mounds and Cahokia being the largest settlement in North America (estimated 20,000 population).
Developed "Three-Sister Farming" (squash, beans, and corn) and descendants included the Creek, Choctaw, and Cherokees.
By the time of European arrival, most of North America was sparsely populated with small, impermanent villages, estimated total population around 4 million, and land ownership concepts were absent.

European Exploration Boost

Vikings were the first Europeans known to explore America, settling in Vinland (Newfoundland, Canada) around 1000 AD.
In continental Europe, awareness of the Americas was minimal; survival concerns dominated due to events like the Black Death.
Factors leading to increased exploration included:
- Population growth post-Black Death.
- Renaissance sparked curiosity and questioning of the world.
- Emergence of new merchant classes due to demand for exotic goods from Asia due to Marco Polo and the Crusades.

Portugal's Maritime Ascendancy

Portugal advanced navigation with the creation of the Caravel, enabling better sailing—particularly into wind and shallow waters.
Key figures include:
- Prince Henry the Navigator: Advocated for exploration, established a navigation school.
- Bartolomeu Dias: Rounded the Cape of Good Hope (1486).
- Vasco da Gama: Reached India in 1498, enhancing Portugal's wealth through spice trade.
Portugal became a dominant maritime power, fostering envy and competition among European neighbors, especially Spain.

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Description

Explore the rich and complex history of the Americas before Columbus's arrival. This quiz delves into the migration theories, population estimates, and the cultural practices of the native peoples who inhabited these lands. Discover how our understanding of native identity is shaped by new evidence and historical accounts.