What types of civilizations did the English and Spanish settlers discover in the Americas?
How did their views and customs affect the development of America?
The English and Spanish settlers discovered various types of civilizations in the Americas, each with their unique characteristics. Let's explore some of the civilizations encountered by the English and Spanish settlers:
1. Inca Civilization: The Spanish encountered the Inca civilization primarily in the Andean regions of South America, including present-day Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia. The Inca had a well-developed administrative structure, sophisticated agricultural system, and monumental architecture such as Machu Picchu.
2. Aztec Civilization: The Spanish encountered the Aztec civilization in present-day Mexico. The Aztecs had a highly structured society with a complex political hierarchy, advanced agriculture practices like chinampas (floating gardens), and a calendar system. Their capital city, Tenochtitlan, was one of the largest cities in the world at the time.
3. Native American Tribes: The English settlers encountered various Native American tribes, each possessing their unique customs and societies. These tribes included the Powhatan Confederacy in Virginia, the Iroquois Confederacy in the Northeast, the Sioux and Cheyenne in the Great Plains, and the Apache and Navajo in the Southwest.
The views and customs of the English and Spanish settlers had significant impacts on the development of America in several ways:
1. Colonization: Both the English and Spanish established colonies in the Americas, leading to the eventual formation of European settlements. The English established thirteen colonies along the eastern coast, which later formed the foundation for the United States. The Spanish established colonies throughout Central and South America, creating a lasting influence on the region.
2. Cultural Exchange: The encounter between the settlers and indigenous civilizations led to a significant cultural exchange. The settlers introduced new technologies, crops, and animals to the Americas, which had lasting impacts on the development of agriculture and trade. Conversely, the settlers adopted some aspects of indigenous culture and practices.
3. Conflict and Conquest: The clash between the settlers and indigenous civilizations often led to conflicts and conquests. The Spanish, in particular, sought to conquer and convert the indigenous populations, leading to the decline and devastation of civilizations like the Aztecs and Incas. This conquest resulted in the imposition of European customs, laws, and religious practices.
4. Transformation of Landscapes: The arrival of the settlers brought about substantial changes to the physical landscape of the Americas. They introduced new farming techniques, cleared forests for agriculture, and established cities and infrastructure. These activities transformed the land and ecosystems, leading to both positive and negative ecological impacts.
5. Social and Economic Systems: The settlers' views and customs also influenced the social and economic systems of the region. The introduction of European ideas of property ownership, trade, and governance shaped the development of American society. The English settlers, influenced by Protestant beliefs in individualism and capitalism, created a society emphasizing private property and economic pursuits.
It's worth noting that these interactions between the settlers and indigenous civilizations were complex and varied across different regions and time periods. The consequences of these encounters continue to shape the Americas today.