HIST 172 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Social Stratification, Encomienda, Paleo-Indians
Document Summary
America was the new world for europeans. Native americans (first americans) have lived here before the europeans came. Ancient americans probably crossed the bering strait land bridge from asia sometime between 12-20 thousand years ago. Receding ice and rising oceans eliminated the bridge. Ice retreated, humans filled the continents and migrating peoples had reached the tip of s. Population increased and they hunted on natural foods. Because of climate change and overhunting, megafauna population decreased gradually. Native population fished, hunted small mammals, and eat nut and berries. Paleo-indians settled at mountains, prairies, deserts and forests. Eg: hundreds of languages and different cultural practices. Corn cultivation: led to civilization, ended nomadic lifestyles. Three crops: corn, beans and squash provided nutrition to people. Native american used hand tools and lush soil to produce high yields of crops. Different skills developed to improve the living standards. Priests and elites >craftsmen, agricultural workers and slaves.
