Indigenous Peoples & Discovery of the New World

Quiz Type

Multiple Choices

Quiz Level

Advanced

Lecture 2 – Indigenous Peoples & Discovery of the New World ________________________________________ 1. Introduction The “Discovery of the New World” was a major turning point because it connected previously separate continents. However, America was not empty before 1492. Indigenous peoples already lived there with diverse cultures and systems. This period is called the Pre-Columbian Era. ________________________________________ 2. The Pre-Columbian Era a. Origins of the First Americans • First inhabitants = Paleo-Indians • Migrated from Asia via Beringia (land bridge) • Movement happened in waves over thousands of years • Spread across all of America • Adapted to environment (hunting, clothing, shelters) ________________________________________ b. Indigenous Societies Indigenous peoples lived in organized societies. North America • Small, independent groups • Hunting, fishing, farming • Local governance Mesoamerica & South America • Large civilizations: Maya, Aztec, Inca • Cities, pyramids, roads • Advanced agriculture & central governments 👉 Key idea: Different environments → different types of societies ________________________________________ c. Viking Settlement • First Europeans in America = Vikings • Leif Erikson reached Vinland (~1000–1021) • Evidence found in Newfoundland (1960) • Settlement was temporary → no lasting impact ________________________________________ 3. The Columbian Era (After 1492) Starts with Christopher Columbus → permanent contact between worlds. The Columbian Exchange Transfer of: • Plants & animals • Cultures & technologies • People & diseases 👉 Result: • Massive death of Indigenous people • Beginning of colonization ________________________________________ 4. Christopher Columbus • Sponsored by Spain (Ferdinand & Isabella) • Wanted route to Asia → reached Caribbean (1492) • Thought he was in Asia → called natives “Indians” • Made 4 voyages • Started European colonization ________________________________________ 5. Amerigo Vespucci • Voyages: 1499 & 1502 • Realized it was a new continent • His writings spread in Europe • Continent named “America” (1507) after him ________________________________________ 6. Context of Exploration Europe in late 15th century: • Trade expansion • High demand for spices, gold, silk • Land routes blocked by Ottoman Empire • Better ships & navigation tools 👉 Result: Age of Exploration ________________________________________ 7. Reasons for Discovery – The 3 Gs God • Spread Christianity • Missionary work • Religious conflicts Gold • Search for wealth • Trade and resources Glory • Power and competition between nations ________________________________________ 8. Meaning of the “New World” • Refers to the Americas • Opposed to the Old World (Europe, Asia, Africa) • Popularized by Vespucci’s term Mundus Novus