US1 Honors Study Guide PDF

I. Native American Societies Before European Contact 1. Primary Crop of the American Southwest ​ Maize (corn): Central to the development of settled agricultural societies such as the Ancestral Puebloans. It supported both economic and social structures. 2. Three Sisters Farming Techniqu...

I. Native American Societies Before European Contact 1. Primary Crop of the American Southwest ​ Maize (corn): Central to the development of settled agricultural societies such as the Ancestral Puebloans. It supported both economic and social structures. 2. Three Sisters Farming Technique ​ Three Sisters agricultural system: Combined maize, beans, and squash. ○​ Maize: Provided a stalk for beans to climb. ○​ Beans: Fixed nitrogen in the soil, improving fertility. ○​ Squash: Covered the ground, preventing weeds and retaining moisture. 3. Environmental Change in the Great Basin ​ Aridification: Increasing dryness led to scarce water and vegetation. This resulted in nomadic lifestyles focused on hunting, gathering, and seasonal migrations. 4. Iroquois Dominance in the Northeast ​ Iroquois Confederacy (Haudenosaunee League): A powerful alliance of tribes (Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and later Tuscarora) with advanced governance and military tactics. ​ Strategic location along trade routes and strong political unity. 5. Region with Highest Native American Population Density ​ Pacific Northwest: Abundant natural resources, such as fish (especially salmon), timber, and game, supported large, settled populations. II. European Exploration and Colonization 6. Motivation for European Exploration ​ "Gold, God, and Glory": ○​ Wealth from resources like gold and spices. ○​ Spread of Christianity. ○​ National prestige and territorial expansion. 7. Technological Advancements ​ Compass: For navigation. ​ Astrolabe: Measured latitude at sea. ​ Lateen sails and caravels: Improved maneuverability and speed for long voyages. 8. Effect of the Columbian Exchange on Europe ​ New crops (e.g., potatoes, maize, tomatoes): Increased food supply and population growth. ​ Introduction of resources that fueled economic and societal expansion. 9. Role of Spanish Missions ​ Religious conversion: To spread Christianity among Native Americans. ​ Integration into Spanish society: Missions acted as centers for education, labor, and cultural assimilation. 10. Impact of Old World Diseases ​ Diseases like smallpox, measles, and influenza caused up to 90% mortality in some Native American communities, as they had no immunity. III. Regional Development in the Colonies 11. New England Colonies ​ Focus on fishing, shipbuilding, and lumber: ○​ Rocky soil and cold climate made large-scale agriculture impractical. ○​ Proximity to forests and the Atlantic supported maritime industries. 12. Middle Colonies ​ Economic focus: Agriculture (grains like wheat), trade, and manufacturing. Known as the "breadbasket colonies". 13. Founding of New Netherland ​ Established by the Dutch. Major settlement: New Amsterdam (later New York City). 14. Motivation for Plymouth Colony ​ Religious freedom: Pilgrims sought to escape persecution in England. 15. Significance of the Mayflower Compact ​ Early example of self-governance and collective decision-making in the colonies. IV. Early Settlements in Virginia 16. Primary Economic Activity in Jamestown  ​ Tobacco cultivation: Became the colony’s cash crop. 17. "Starving Time" in Jamestown ​ Winter of 1609–1610: Severe famine, disease, and conflicts with Native Americans resulted in high mortality. 18. Reason for Establishing Jamestown ​ Profit: The Virginia Company sought gold and other resources. 19. Labor System Before Slavery ​ Indentured servitude: Workers agreed to labor for a set period in exchange for passage to the colonies. 20. Purpose of the House of Burgesses ​ Representative assembly: Managed local governance and established laws. 21. Crop Transforming Jamestown’s Economy ​ Tobacco: Created wealth and attracted settlers. V. New England and Southern Colonies 22. Massachusetts Bay Colony ​ Defining feature: Puritan religious foundation. Strict adherence to religious and community values. 23. Outcome of Bacon’s Rebellion (1676) ​ Highlighted tensions between poor settlers and wealthy landowners. ​ Accelerated the transition to African slavery over indentured servitude. 24. Decrease in Cost of Enslaved Labor ​ Increased supply through the transatlantic slave trade. 25. Colonies with High Enslaved Populations by 1750 ​ Southern colonies: South Carolina and Virginia had enslaved populations exceeding 50%.​ 26. Purpose of Slave Codes ​ Control of enslaved populations: Laws institutionalized racial slavery and restricted the rights of enslaved people. VI. Relations Between Europeans and Native Americans 27. Conflicts Between Native Americans and European Settlers ​ Competition over land and resources. ​ Cultural and religious differences. ​ Broken treaties and violent confrontations. 28. Key Factor in Increased Reliance on African Slavery ​ Decline in availability of indentured servants. ​ Economic need for a stable, lifelong labor force. 29. Why Treaties Were Broken ​ European settlers often prioritized expansion over agreements, breaking treaties for land acquisition. Short Answer​ ​ Explain the effects of the Columbian Exchange on both Europe and the Americas. (provide one example for each) ​ Describe how maize cultivation influenced the development of Native American societies. ​ ​ Explain how geography influenced the economic activities of the New England and Southern colonies. Provide specific examples.​ How did enslaved people resist the dehumanizing nature of slavery, both overtly and covertly, and what does this reveal about their resilience and agency?