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The Creation of American Society

1450-1775

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Worlds Collide

• European explorers claimed to have found a “new world” when they arrived in the Western hemisphere but it was only “new” to “old European eyes”

• It is estimated that some 45 million Native Americans claimed the “new world” as their land for over 9,500 years

Peopling the Continent

• Where did they come from?– Northeastern Asia– About 15,000 years ago– 13,000 B.C.– Across the Bering Strait– Continued south following

food sources & settling

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MesoamericaCultures of Ancient Mexico

• Olmecs– 1200 BC to 400 BC– Ceremonial centers/Ritual statues– Decline between 900 BC and 400 BC

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Mayan civilization– A.D. 200– Southern Mexico– Built spectacular cities– Hierarchal society• King• Nobles• Merchants & Artisans• Peasantry

– Religion– Writing/Math/Calendars

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• The Aztecs–Aztec Empire

1325-1500–Central Mexico

The IncasInca Empire 1440-1524Peru, South America

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North American Civilizations• The Mound Builders • The Adena and the

Hopewell• 500 BC – 400 AD

• The Mississippian Cultures• 800AD - discovery• Cahokia Mounds

The Cliff Dwellers• The Anasazi• The Pueblo

? – 1450• Four Corners-Arizona,

Colorado, New Mexico, Utah

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