Historical Turning Points: Civilizations, Colonization, and Key Innovations

Key Moments in Early History

Maya Civilization: A 3500-Year Legacy

The Maya had one of the longest-running civilizations in history. Their historical period spanned from 2500 BC to 900 AD, a remarkable 3500 years.

Marks of a Civilization

What are the defining characteristics of a civilization?

• Agriculture
• Urban living
• Art
• Social organization
• Trade
• Mathematics and science

Columbus's First Impressions of the Taino

What were Christopher Columbus's initial impressions of the Taino people upon encountering them?

Columbus described the native islanders of Guanahani (which he renamed San Salvador) as generous, loving, artless, and good-looking. He was also convinced that these handsome, unclothed people would make excellent slaves.

Spanish Colonization vs. Trade

Why did the Spanish choose to colonize, take control of, and enslave the peoples they encountered in the New World, rather than establishing trade relations as the Portuguese did with Africans?

The Spanish pursued colonization because their primary goal was to acquire wealth and assert complete control over new territories.

Aztec vs. Spanish: An Unfair Balance of Power

How was the conflict between Aztec warriors and Cortés's army unfairly balanced? What advantages did the Spanish possess that the Aztecs lacked?

The battle was imbalanced because Aztec warriors lacked armor and horses. The Spanish, conversely, were equipped with firearms, which the Aztecs did not have.

Impacts of the Columbian Exchange

What were the positive and negative effects of the Columbian Exchange for Native Americans and for Europeans?

For Native Americans:

• Positive (Introductions): Technological advancements like written language, new farming capabilities, firearms, weapons, and animals.
• Negative: Devastating diseases such as smallpox and malaria.

For Europeans:

(The original document did not provide specific answers for Europeans in this section.)

European Diseases Devastating Native Americans

Which diseases introduced by Europeans caused widespread devastation among Native American populations? Name at least four.

1. Measles
2. Influenza
3. Smallpox
4. Chickenpox

Effects of the Black Death in Europe

What were at least five significant effects of the Black Death on Europe?

1. Medical advancements
2. Provoked a spiritual crisis
3. Scarcity of workers and consumers
4. Increased warfare
5. Peace between different warlords

Impact of the Printing Press

Name at least five significant effects of the invention of the printing press.

1. Common people gained access to information.
2. Language standardization occurred, including grammar and punctuation.
3. Increased book production influenced thinking and perception.
4. Traditional power structures began to be challenged (e.g., the Reformation).
5. The Church began to lose its absolute authority.

Pre-Columbian Theories of American Discovery

What are three theories regarding who discovered America before Columbus arrived in the Caribbean?

1. Polynesians – through advanced sailing techniques.
2. Vikings
3. (A third theory, such as the Solutrean hypothesis or other Asian migrations, is often discussed but not provided in the original text.)

Myths About Native Americans and North America

Identify at least three common myths about Native Americans and North America that have been perpetuated in historical accounts.

1. Ancient North American Indigenous tribes were primitive, uncivilized heathens.
2. Thanksgiving was the first American holiday.
3. When Europeans arrived, they found a virgin wilderness.

Religions from the Protestant Reformation

Which of the following religions or belief systems emerged as a result of the Protestant Reformation in Europe?

• Calvinism

First English Colony in North America

What was the first permanent English colony established in North America?

Jamestown

Early Settlers of Virginia

According to historical accounts, two primary groups of people settled in early Virginia:

1. Indentured Servants
2. Wealthy Elite