The Americas Exploration Flashcards
Indigenous:
Referring to the original peoples of a region, especially those inhabiting America before European colonization. The term is used to recognize and respect their unique cultures and histories, including the Maya, Aztec, and Inca civilizations.
Maya:
An ancient Mesoamerican civilization that thrived from 2000 BCE to 1500 CE, primarily in present-day Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. Known for their complex hieroglyphic writing system, intricate art, and advanced mathematical and astronomical knowledge.
Aztec:
A powerful Mesoamerican civilization that dominated central Mexico from the 14th to the 16th century. Renowned for their impressive architecture, including the famous pyramids of Tenochtitlan (Mexico City), as well as their sophisticated calendar system and agricultural practices.
Inca:
A South American civilization that flourished from approximately 1200 to 1533 CE in present-day Peru and Bolivia. The Incas are known for their extensive road system, impressive engineering feats like Machu Picchu, and advanced agricultural techniques using terraced fields.
The Columbian Exchange:
A period of cultural, biological, and ecological exchange between the Old World (Europe) and the New World (America) following Christopher Columbus’ voyages in the late 15th century. This exchange led to significant transfers of goods, ideas, diseases, and people between Europe and the Americas.
Encomienda:
A Spanish colonial land tenure system whereby a Spanish settler was granted ownership of a group of indigenous people for labor purposes in return for protecting them from other Spanish settlers or external threats. This system was widely used during the conquest of Mexico and Peru by Hernan Cortez and Francisco Pizzaro respectively.
Missions System:
A systematic effort by European powers (primarily Spain) to spread Christianity among indigenous peoples through the establishment of missions. These missions often served as centers for education, healthcare, agriculture, and religious conversion. Notable examples include California’s Jesuit missions under Father Serra.
Conquistador:
Spanish term meaning “conqueror,” referring to soldiers or explorers who played a significant role in Spain’s expansion during the late Middle Ages and Renaissance periods through conquest or colonization of foreign lands (such as America). Famous conquistadors include Hernan Cortez and Francisco Pizzaro.
Hernan Cortez:
A Spanish conquistador who led an expedition that resulted in the conquest of the Aztec Empire in Mexico between 1519 and 1521 CE. He is known for his strategic alliances with indigenous leaders like Moctezuma II and his use of superior weaponry to defeat the Aztecs.
Francisco Pizzaro:
A Spanish conquistador who led an expedition that resulted in the conquest of the Inca Empire in Peru between 1532 and 1533 CE. He is known for his ruthless tactics against indigenous peoples during this campaign.
Bartolome de la Casa:
A Dominican friar who accompanied Hernan Cortez on his expedition to Mexico in 1519 CE. He later became a vocal critic of Spanish mistreatment of indigenous peoples due to his experiences witnessing their exploitation firsthand; he wrote extensively about their customs and advocated for better treatment under Spanish rule.
