Unit 1 Beginnings of American History Chapter 1

Unit 1 -Beginnings of American History Chapter 1 - Roots of the American People Mr. Bennett, 7 th grade US History, 2015 -2016

Essential Question- How did different cultures and traditions develop around the world?

Section 1 - How did early civilizations develop in the Americas? How did people arrive in the Americas? Different Theories Land-Bridge theory- thousands of years ago the strait between Siberia and Alaska were connected by large glaciers. Hunters traveled across this land bridge in search of food. Gradually worked their way south. Coastal route theory- people crossed arctic waters by boat and traveled south along the Pacific coast. Many Native Americans disagree with both theories and have their own theories regarding how they arrived on the continent.

Learning to Farm Once people learned to farm, they were able to stay in one place and start a civilization. Farmers in Mexico used irrigation systems to channel water from streams and rivers to their crops. Eventually, a surplus of crops was created and tribes began trading with other tribes. ***How do scientists think the first people arrived in the Americas? ***

Mayas, Aztecs, Incas 3 largest civilizations in the early Americas. Civilization- an advanced culture in which people have developed cities, science, and industries. Mayas (250 -900 A. D. )- built cities in modern day Mexico and Central America. Known for their accurate calendars, urban planning, pyramids, government, and written language. Declined around 900 AD. Most likely because of disease.

Mayas

Aztecs Settled in modern day Mexico after the decline of the Mayas. Created the world’s largest city at the time (200, 000 people), Tenochtitlan. It was built on a lake and today is Mexico City. Farmers created floating gardens on the lake. Practiced human sacrifice to please their gods. Had a strong army that conquered most of Mexico.

Aztecs

Incas At its height in the 1400’s. Located in western South America, along the Andes Mountains. Constructed vast network of roads leading to its capital, Cuzco. Built bridges and used terrace farming to grow crops in the mountains. Used gold and silver to make jewelry and plates.

Inca Empire

Essential Question- How did different cultures and traditions develop around the world?

Section 2 -Cultures of North America Essential Question- How did geography affect the development of cultures in North America? Around the same time of the Mayas, Aztecs, and Incas different tribes settled in very different geographic locations in North America. Mississippi Mound Builders built a city of 40, 000 people in present day Illinois. All things had a spirit. Spirits were responsible for acts of nature.

Ways of Life Broken into culture areas- regions in which groups of people have very similar ways of life. Tribes located all over North America. Mostly hunters and gatherers until they learned to farm.

Shared Beliefs Many native tribes shared a deep respect for the natural world. They believed that all natural things had a spirit and these spirits were a part of their natural world. No written language but past on their history through oral traditions- stories about the tribe’s history.

Far North Native Americans Lived in the arctic where it was extremely cold. Survived on fish, shellfish, and birds. Hunted marine animals from kayaks.

Northwest Tribes

Far West

Southwest

Great Plains

Eastern Woodlands

Exit Slip Why do you think some tribes hunted and others relied on farming for their food?

Section 3 -Trade Networks of Asian and Africa Essential Question: How did trade link Europe, Africa, and Asia?