Causation in Period 1 - AP U.S. History

What was a significant cultural impact of Spanish colonization in the Americas?

Spread of Christianity. Missionaries converted millions through force and persuasion.
Which agricultural product became a staple in Europe due to the Columbian Exchange?

Potatoes. High nutritional value helped feed growing European populations.
Identify the effect of the introduction of European firearms to Native societies.

Changed warfare dynamics. Guns gave technological advantage in tribal conflicts.
What was a major result of European colonization on American ecology?

Introduction of invasive species. Non-native plants and animals disrupted ecological balance.
What was the primary motivation for England's colonization of North America?

Economic gain and religious freedom. Joint-stock companies and religious groups sought profit and refuge.
Which empire was defeated by Hernán Cortés?

The Aztec Empire. Conquered Tenochtitlan and destroyed the capital city.
Identify a technological development that aided European navigation.

The astrolabe. Measured celestial bodies to determine latitude at sea.
What was a major consequence of the Columbian Exchange for the Americas?

Spread of European diseases. Devastated Indigenous populations who had no immunity.
Identify the primary source of labor in the Spanish colonies.

Indigenous peoples and African slaves. Encomienda system and Atlantic slave trade provided workers.
Which term describes the exchange of goods, ideas, and diseases between the Old and New Worlds?

Columbian Exchange. Named for the biological and cultural transfers after 1492.
What was the primary goal of Spanish missions in the Americas?

Convert Indigenous peoples to Christianity. Franciscan and Jesuit priests built religious communities.
What was the encomienda system?

A labor system exploiting Indigenous people. Granted colonists control over Indigenous labor and tribute.
Identify a major effect of the introduction of European livestock in the Americas.

Altered Indigenous agriculture and landscapes. Cattle and pigs disrupted traditional farming and ecosystems.
What was the primary use of African slaves in the Americas?

Labor in plantations. Sugar and tobacco cultivation demanded intensive manual labor.
What role did mercantilism play in European colonization?

It drove the acquisition of colonies for resource extraction. Colonies provided raw materials to increase national wealth.
What was Bartolomé de las Casas known for advocating?

Rights of Indigenous peoples. Dominican friar exposed Spanish brutality in his writings.
Identify the main reason for French exploration in North America.

The fur trade. Beaver pelts were highly valuable in European markets.
Identify the conquistador who conquered the Aztec Empire.

Hernán Cortés. Used superior weapons and alliances to defeat Moctezuma.
What was the primary goal of Christopher Columbus's 1492 voyage?

Finding a westward route to Asia. Sought spices and gold by sailing west instead of east.
Identify a technological advancement that facilitated European exploration.

The compass. Enabled accurate navigation across open oceans.
What was one economic impact of the silver trade on Spain?

Inflation in the Spanish economy. Massive influx of silver caused price revolution.
Which European country led early exploration efforts in the 15th century?

Portugal. Prince Henry the Navigator sponsored early Atlantic expeditions.
Which disease had a significant impact on Indigenous populations in Period 1?

Smallpox. Killed millions who lacked immunity to European diseases.
Identify a reason for the decline of Indigenous populations after 1492.

European diseases. Lack of immunity caused catastrophic mortality rates.
What was the significance of the caravel in exploration?

Allowed longer sea voyages. Light, maneuverable design perfect for ocean exploration.
What was the impact of horses on Native American societies?

Transformed mobility and hunting practices. Revolutionized Plains Indian warfare and buffalo hunting.
Which Indigenous empire was located in the Andes and conquered by Pizarro?

The Inca Empire. Francisco Pizarro captured and executed Atahualpa for ransom.
What was the impact of maize on European diets?

Diversification of food sources. Provided nutritious alternative to traditional European grains.
Which European country established New Amsterdam?

The Netherlands. Dutch West India Company established trading post on Manhattan.
Identify the primary economic activity in New France.

Fur trading. French colonists traded manufactured goods for beaver pelts.
Which explorer is credited with discovering the Pacific Ocean?

Vasco Núñez de Balboa. Crossed the Panama isthmus to reach the western ocean.
What was a primary consequence of European colonization for Native populations?

Population decline due to disease. Epidemics wiped out up to 90% in some regions.
What was the primary motive for European exploration during Period 1?

The search for new trade routes to Asia. Desire to bypass expensive Middle Eastern trade routes.
Which explorer's voyage proved the world was larger than previously thought?

Ferdinand Magellan. Demonstrated the vast scale of the Pacific Ocean.
What was the Treaty of Tordesillas?

An agreement dividing the New World between Spain and Portugal. Prevented territorial conflicts between the two Catholic powers.
Identify the Columbian Exchange's impact on Europe.

Introduction of new crops and resources. Brought potatoes, tomatoes, and other crops that transformed European agriculture.
Which economic system was characterized by the control of trade by the state?

Mercantilism. Emphasized accumulating precious metals and favorable trade balance.
Which crop from the Americas became crucial to the African slave trade?

Sugar. Labor-intensive cultivation required large enslaved workforce.
Which European nation first circumnavigated the globe?

Spain. Magellan's expedition completed the first global voyage.

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