Three Cultures Clash

1492-1607

1st Americans

Clovis people 20,000 y.a. Beringia

By 1492, in what would be the U.S.

Highly diverse societies Common religious beliefs, attitudes

toward land Basic social unit – the family More egalitarian, matrilineal

societies Extensive artistic and trade

traditions

Early Discoveries

1200 AD, Leif Erikson (Scandinavian) Coast of New Foundland, decides not to

pursue

Europeans

What countries take the lead?

What are they looking for?

What was going on in Europe?

Things you should know:

Renaissance Reformation Scientific Revolution

Europeans

- 4 major nations forming: Portugal, Spain, France & England.

- Land and resources limited in Europe.- Monarchies and explorers search out

riches through colonization.- Monarchies need money to support

growing armies.- Migrations to escape religious

persecution.

Christopher Columbus, 1492

Vasco de Gama, 1497

Portugal Around the “dark continent”

West –African Societies

African traditions and beliefs had a large impact on the formation of American history and culture.- trans-Saharan trade of gold and salt made

empires very rich- Rulers claimed authority on basis of religion. - Basic social unit was the family. Collectively

owned land.- Worshipped a variety of Gods but most believed

in a single creator.- Traded with Arab merchants who brought Islamic

faith to Africa.

Ferdinand Magellan, 1520 Circumnavigates the globe for Spain

Spanish Explorers

Christopher Columbus Vasco Nunez de Balboa Hernan Cortes Francisco Pizarro Hernando De Soto Francisco Coronado Juan Ponce De Leon

Recipe for Success

Europe provided the markets, the capital & technology

Africa: Labor New World: Raw Materials

The Spanish Conquistadors

Treaty of Tordesillas Divided New World land between Spain

and Portugal. Spain’s Dominance

The three G’s▪ God, glory, and gold

Impact of Exploration

Natives – devastated native cultures both by disease, domination, and conquest. (90% die off)

Africans – devastated many West African societies. They lost their young and more able members.

Europeans – biggest voluntary migrations in history. Colonization flamed national rivalries. Spain becomes very rich.

Columbian Exchange – trading posts are set up all over the world. Exchange of plants, animals, goods and ideas between the western and eastern hemispheres.

Latin America Adopts

Religion – mission system in California

Language Crops Animals Mestizos– mixed Spanish/Native

population emerges Encomienda system – allowed

Spanish a native slave in return for Catholic coversion

How did Native Americans and Africans struggle to maintain their autonomy?

How do these groups view one another?