Diseases
What disease greatly affected indigenous populations in the Americas?
Smallpox
Name two crops that were introduced to the Americas from Europe.
Wheat and sugarcane.
Define "Columbian Exchange."
The widespread transfer of plants, animals, culture, human populations, technology, and ideas between the Americas and the Old World after 1492.
What event initiated the Columbian Exchange?
The arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492.
What was one major effect of the Columbian Exchange on Native American populations?
A dramatic decline in population due to disease, estimated at over 50%.
How did smallpox spread among Native Americans?
Through face-to-face contact with infected Europeans who were immune.
What crop was primarily responsible for population growth in Europe?
Potatoes.
What does "conquistador" mean?
Spanish explorers and soldiers who conquered territories in the Americas.
What were the motivations for European exploration?
Economic gain, spreading Christianity, and the pursuit of glory.
How did the Columbian Exchange affect European diets?
It introduced new foods such as potatoes and maize, improving nutrition and population growth.
What were some diseases brought to the New World?
Measles, influenza, and malaria.
How did the introduction of maize impact the Eastern Hemisphere?
It provided a new food source that contributed to population growth and agricultural diversity.
What is "chattel slavery"?
A form of slavery where individuals are treated as personal property of an owner.
How did disease contribute to the Columbian Exchange?
Diseases brought by Europeans decimated Native American populations, facilitating conquest.
What economic changes occurred in Spain due to the Columbian Exchange?
The influx of silver led to inflation and economic challenges for the Spanish Empire.
How did the lack of immunity affect Native Americans?
They suffered devastating mortality rates due to the introduction of new diseases.
Name a staple crop brought to Europe from the Americas.
Tomatoes.
What is a "creole" language?
A stable, fully developed language that arises from the mixing of two or more languages.
What role did the encomienda system play in colonization?
It allowed Spanish settlers to extract labor from indigenous people in exchange for protection and Christianization.
How did cash crops like sugar impact the economy?
They became the primary source of wealth for European empires, especially in the Americas.
What was the demographic impact of disease on the Americas?
A drastic reduction in the indigenous population, with some areas losing up to 90% of their original inhabitants.
What was the importance of potatoes in European agriculture?
Potatoes provided high yields and essential nutrition, leading to population increases.
Define "cash crop."
A crop grown primarily for sale and profit rather than for personal consumption.
What was the significance of the Treaty of Tordesillas?
It divided the newly discovered lands between Spain and Portugal, influencing colonization patterns.
In what ways did the Columbian Exchange contribute to the rise of slavery?
The demand for labor on plantations led to the importation of enslaved Africans to the Americas.