EARLY NORTH AMERICAN CULTURESNotes: Chapters 1.1 & 1.2

ARRIVAL

First Americans arrive as early as 22,000 years ago Ice Age exposed a land bridge between Asia and

Alaska Around 10,000 years ago the sea rose, isolating

those who crossed People adapted according to their environment and

became hunter/gatherers Agricultural Revolution begins in Central Mexico

between 10,000-5,000 years ago Development of agriculture sparks tremendous

change

EMPIRES OF MIDDLE AND SOUTH AMERICA OLMEC: 1200-400 B.C.

ANASAZI & HOHOKAM: 250 B.C.-1400 A.D.

MAYA: 250-900 A.D.

MISSISSIPPIAN: 600-1500 A.D.

AZTEC: 1200-1500s A.D.

INCA: 1200-1533 A.D.

Ancient Civilizations - Pictures

DIVERSITY Native groups of North America were shaped by the

environments in which they lived Had two choices: adapt themselves, or adapt their

surroundings Thousands of different societies formed: some grew,

and some disappeared These diverse societies spread east and west throughout America

Native American Tribes

Kashaya Pomo – California

Kwakiutl – Northwest Coast

Pueblo – Southwest

Iriquois – Eastern Woodlands

CULTURAL PATTERNS Although there were differences, there were many

similarities among tribes Vast trade routes were established and created cultural

diffusion Respect for land and nature is a major theme for

Native peoples Land was a resource that was commonly used; NO

OWNERSHIP!! Nearly all Native Americans thought of the natural

world as filled with spirits Family and Kinship were the basic socio-economic

unit A Division of Labor existed – sometimes large groups

would split and then reconnect