Exploration, Discovery, and Settlement: 1492-1700

Cultures of North America

The population of the present day United States during the 1490’s is relatively unknown, but an estimated 10 million people lived there. Most Native Americans lived in small tribes of about 300 people. The men made tools and hunt, while the women grew crops. Some of the tribes were nomadic (traveled). There were a few tribes with more complex societies. The Pueblos developed intricate systems of irrigation and had large multistoried buildings. In the North-east there was the Iroquois Confederacy which withstood attacks through alliance.

Cultures of Central and South America

There was a greater population in Central and South America than there was in North America. The estimated population of Central and South America is 25 million people. There were three major civilizations in the area. The Mayas built remarkable cities in the rain forests. Centuries later the Aztecs in central Mexico and the Incas in Peru ruled over vast empires. They created calendars based on accurate scientific observation and had intricate systems of trade. The Aztec’s capital of Tenochtitlan was the size and population of the largest cities in Europe.

Europe Moves toward Exploration

Until the late 1400’s Americans had no knowledge of those across the ocean. There was minor contact between certain people in the Americas prior (ie Vikings). Columbus’ voyages finally brought the Europeans and the Americans together.

Improvements in Technology

During this time there was a rebirth in classical learning and art and science known as the Renaissance. The Renaissance was at its height in the late 1400’s and the early 1500’s. The Europeans were able to advance in gunpowder, sailing compass, shipbuilding, mapmaking, and the printing press.

Religious Conflict

There was great religious conflict by the later years of the Renaissance. The Protestant Revolt and the growing followers of Islam scared Roman Catholics. Spain was partly conquered by Muslim invaders, and on 1492 (the year Columbus set sail) Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand expelled them in Granada. The Roman Catholics were able to control all of Spain now. In the early 1500’s certain Christians in Germany, England, France, Holland, and other northern European countries revolted against the authority of the Pope in Rome, known as the Protestant Reformation. The Protestants wanted to spread their religion to other non-Christians, and the Catholics wanted the same. Therefore, the two groups attempted to explore in hopes of spreading their religion.