Key Terms and Concepts from Early American History

Front

Africans

Back

People native to the continent of Africa

Front

Aztec

Back

Mexican ancient civilization

Front

Christianity

Back

A religion that the Spanish wanted to spread in North America

Front

Columbian Exchange

Back

The widespread transfer of plants, animals, culture, human populations, technology, and ideas between the Americas and the Old World in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Front

Encomienda System

Back

A labor system established by the Spanish crown in the Americas, where colonists (encomenderos) were granted the right to demand labor and tribute from Indigenous peoples in exchange for protection and guidance in Catholicism.

Front

Inca

Back

Peruvian civilization

Front

Maya

Back

Ancient civilization in Mexico

Front

Motivations for European exploration and colonization

Back

Reasons include economic gain, religious spread, and territorial expansion.

Front

Spanish Empire

Back

A major European power that established colonies across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Oceania.