Chapter 1
WORLDS APART
Chapter Summary
Chapter 1 provides an introduction to United States history by exploring the backgrounds of
the three major cultures that came together to create the New World. Topics discussed
include descriptions of Native American, West African, and European societies on the eve of
contact; the motivations for European exploration and settlement in the New World; early
Spanish, French, and British settlements; and the impact of contact with Native Americans,
Africans, and Europeans during the sixteenth century.
I. Native American Societies before 1492
A. Hunters, Harvesters, and Gatherers
B. The Development of Agriculture
C. Nonfarming Societies
A. Mesoamerican Civilizations
1. The Mayans
2. The Aztecs
B. North America’s Diverse Cultures
1. Ancestral Puebloans
2. Plains Indians
3. Mound-building cultures
F. The Caribbean Islanders
II. West African Societies
A. Geographical and Political Differences
, 1. Artisans and merchants
2. Farming and gender roles
B. Family Structure and Religion
C. European Merchants in West Africa and the Slave Trade
III. Western Europe on the Eve of Exploration
A. The Consolidation of Political and Military Authority
B. Religious Conflict and the Protestant Reformation
IV. Contact
A. The Lure of Discovery
1. Advances in navigation and shipbuilding
2. The Atlantic islands and the slave trade
B. Christopher Columbus and the Westward Route to Asia
C. The Spanish Conquest and Colonization
1. The end of the Aztec Empire
2. The fall of the Inca Empire
3. Spanish incursions to the north
4. The seeds of economic decline
D. The Columbian Exchange
E. Cultural Perceptions and Misperceptions
V. Competition for a Continent
A. Early French Efforts in North America
B. English Attempts in the New World
1. The colonization of Ireland
, 2. Expeditions to the New World
3. The Roanoke colony
VI. Conclusion
Learning Objectives
After a careful examination of Chapter 1, students should be able to answer the following:
1. How did geography shape the development of regional cultures in North America
prior to 1492?
2. What were the key characteristics of West African society?
3. How did events in Europe both shape and inspire exploration of the Americas?
4. What were the biological consequences of contact between Europeans and Native
Americans?
5. Why did early French and English efforts at colonization falter?
Topics for Classroom Lecture
, 1. Discuss pre-Columbian Native American culture, stressing the diversity and
complexity of indigenous societies in the New World. Point out differences in population
dispersal and density and the variety of religions, architecture, art, and political and
economic organization in these cultures. Discuss the meaning of the term “civilization” and
what modern-day Americans mean when they describe a society or culture as “civilized.”
Have students question the traditional historical assertion that American history began
with the arrival of Europeans and suggest that European settlement simply initiated
another phase of American history.
2. Present a discussion of the factors contributing to the development of European
interest in exploration and settlement in the New World. Because the United States
originated as British colonies, focus specifically on the British motivation. A complete
treatment of the issue would examine both political and individual reasons for movement
into the New World. Include in the political discussion such issues as the national pursuit of
a mercantile economic policy, the political power associated with the acquisition of empire,
the expansion of military power, and the missionary motive. Considering the individual,
how did religion, economic hardship, and the lure of adventure impact many people’s
decisions to go to the New World?
WORLDS APART
Chapter Summary
Chapter 1 provides an introduction to United States history by exploring the backgrounds of
the three major cultures that came together to create the New World. Topics discussed
include descriptions of Native American, West African, and European societies on the eve of
contact; the motivations for European exploration and settlement in the New World; early
Spanish, French, and British settlements; and the impact of contact with Native Americans,
Africans, and Europeans during the sixteenth century.
I. Native American Societies before 1492
A. Hunters, Harvesters, and Gatherers
B. The Development of Agriculture
C. Nonfarming Societies
A. Mesoamerican Civilizations
1. The Mayans
2. The Aztecs
B. North America’s Diverse Cultures
1. Ancestral Puebloans
2. Plains Indians
3. Mound-building cultures
F. The Caribbean Islanders
II. West African Societies
A. Geographical and Political Differences
, 1. Artisans and merchants
2. Farming and gender roles
B. Family Structure and Religion
C. European Merchants in West Africa and the Slave Trade
III. Western Europe on the Eve of Exploration
A. The Consolidation of Political and Military Authority
B. Religious Conflict and the Protestant Reformation
IV. Contact
A. The Lure of Discovery
1. Advances in navigation and shipbuilding
2. The Atlantic islands and the slave trade
B. Christopher Columbus and the Westward Route to Asia
C. The Spanish Conquest and Colonization
1. The end of the Aztec Empire
2. The fall of the Inca Empire
3. Spanish incursions to the north
4. The seeds of economic decline
D. The Columbian Exchange
E. Cultural Perceptions and Misperceptions
V. Competition for a Continent
A. Early French Efforts in North America
B. English Attempts in the New World
1. The colonization of Ireland
, 2. Expeditions to the New World
3. The Roanoke colony
VI. Conclusion
Learning Objectives
After a careful examination of Chapter 1, students should be able to answer the following:
1. How did geography shape the development of regional cultures in North America
prior to 1492?
2. What were the key characteristics of West African society?
3. How did events in Europe both shape and inspire exploration of the Americas?
4. What were the biological consequences of contact between Europeans and Native
Americans?
5. Why did early French and English efforts at colonization falter?
Topics for Classroom Lecture
, 1. Discuss pre-Columbian Native American culture, stressing the diversity and
complexity of indigenous societies in the New World. Point out differences in population
dispersal and density and the variety of religions, architecture, art, and political and
economic organization in these cultures. Discuss the meaning of the term “civilization” and
what modern-day Americans mean when they describe a society or culture as “civilized.”
Have students question the traditional historical assertion that American history began
with the arrival of Europeans and suggest that European settlement simply initiated
another phase of American history.
2. Present a discussion of the factors contributing to the development of European
interest in exploration and settlement in the New World. Because the United States
originated as British colonies, focus specifically on the British motivation. A complete
treatment of the issue would examine both political and individual reasons for movement
into the New World. Include in the political discussion such issues as the national pursuit of
a mercantile economic policy, the political power associated with the acquisition of empire,
the expansion of military power, and the missionary motive. Considering the individual,
how did religion, economic hardship, and the lure of adventure impact many people’s
decisions to go to the New World?
