HIST 041 Part 1: United States History to 1877

Note Taking Guide: Modules 1-4

This Note-Taking Guide will help you organize your notes as you go through each lesson. You will
focus on the time periods up until Module 4. They are detailed below. This guide will also be
helpful to prepare you for quizzes, the Midterm Exam, and the Final Exam of this course.
You will submit these notes at the end of Module 4.

Pre-Columbian Civilizations: Up to 1491 (Module 1)

Civilization Characteristics
Native Americans Origins, Trade, Beliefs
Although there were many different groups of Native Americans, they had an
established trade route. Native Americans all have different preferences on
what they would like to be called and originated from varied places (boats from
Polynesia, from Asia, land bridge from Siberia to Alaska). They all shared two
common beliefs; all things are connected and all life is sacred (shown in the
traditional story Gluscabi and the Game Animals). All indigenous Americans
exchanged ideas and products with others through networks, like their most
valuable crop, maize aka corn.
Europeans Regional Competition, Trade, Expansion
After the collapse of the Roman Empire, Europe broke up into a bunch of tiny
states, some more powerful than others (England, France, Spain, Portugal,
Venice, the Dutch Republic, and Belgium). All the powerful states were
interested in expanding beyond the borders of Europe. Expanding would
provide them with bigger economies, access to products that dont grow in
European climates, and give them more power. A majority of these countries
were also Christian, and felt it was their duty to spread their religion. Portugal’s
success in establishing trade along the coast of Africa and in the Indian Ocean
made them one of the most powerful nations in Europe in the late 1400s. Spain
was searching for a different route to Asia (since they weren’t welcome at
African ports that had agreements with Portugal) and were intrigued when
Christopher Columbus offered to find them a new route by going west instead
of going east. The Crusades increased Europe’s contact with Asia in the 1100s.
Portugal was the first European power to round the Cape of Good Hope
(southern tip of Africa).
Africans African History, Old World Slavery vs. New World, Triangular Trade:
Before 1492, West Africa had powerful empires like Ghana, Mali, and Songhay.
Ghana thrived from trading gold, salt, and ivory. Mali became even wealthier
under rulers like Mansa Musa, who made Timbuktu a famous learning center. By
the 1400s, African trade with Europe grew stronger, especially with the
Portuguese. Old World slavery in Africa was smaller, not based on race, and less
harsh than New World slavery. Slaves were often war captives or debtors, and
some could gain freedom. New World slavery, tied to plantations, was much
larger, brutal, and based on race. The Triangular Trade connected Europe, Africa,
and the Americas. Africans traded gold, ivory, and slaves for European goods.
Slaves were sent to the Americas to work on plantations, producing goods like
Civilization Characteristics
sugar for Europe. This trade reshaped economies but devastated African
populations.
Guiding Questions How do historians and archeologists construct interpretations from artifacts,
*Answer these oral histories, legends, primary sources, and other evidence?
questions as you Historians and archaeologists study evidence like artifacts, oral stories, legends,
move along the and old documents to learn about the past. Artifacts show how people lived,
lessons. while stories and legends share traditions. Written records give firsthand
accounts. They compare all these sources, check for accuracy, and use context
to understand events and cultures better. Together, this helps them create a
clearer picture of history.

Exploring the New World: 1492-1606 (Module 2)

Figure/ Empire/Era Characteristics
Columbus History
He was born into a middle class family of weavers. He decided to become a
sailor, on one of his boats he got attacked and had to swim to Portugal. He
always thought that the world was smaller than what everyone else thought,
he was wrong. He proposed to the king of Portugal that if the king paid for
Columbus's expedition money, that he would find land in China and that area.
The Portugal king said no but the monarchs of Spain said yes. On the trip
overseas, Columbus has three small ship and while he felt confident, his boat
members felt fearful because there was so land in sight for a while and they
had been on the boat for weeks. They finally found land but instead of it being
in Asia, it was the island between North and South America, now known as
Haiti and Dominican Republic (Hispaniola). He called them Indians because he
thought he was in part of India, they later died due to small pox. When
Columbus returned to Spain, all had agreed he had found land and everyone
was amazed. Columbus made three more trips to the New World but he never
found a route to Asia. He died in 1506 not knowing what amazing discovery
he made.
Spanish Empire Spanish Explorers, North American Explorations & Outposts
From 1492 through 1607 (and beyond, really), various European explorers
tried to determine what the “New World” really was, the Spanish were the
most active during this era. Hernán Cortés was the one who conquered the
mighty Aztecs. By 1521, the Aztec empire was no more, and the Spanish
began building their capital, Mexico City, on the ruins of the once-mighty
Tenochtitlan. Many other people hoped to conquer land as well but the most
successful after Cortés was Francisco Pizarro, who conquered the impressive
Incas of Peru. After Columbus's death, Spain mainly stayed in the Caribbean
Islands, building bases. In 1513, Ponce de León was the first to reach a part of
the United States, searching Florida, in that same year, Vasco Nunez de Balboa
crossed the rugged jungles of Panama in search of gold, but found the Pacific
Ocean instead. Hernando de Soto discovered and explored the majority of
Figure/ Empire/Era Characteristics
Eastern USA (Florida, Alabama, etc). Francisco Vazquez de Coronado
discovered and explored the Southwestern USA (Arizona, New Mexico, Grand
Canyon, etc). In 1607, a settlement in New Mexico was established with its
capital, Santa Fe.

Other Europeans French, English, and Dutch Explorers

The French, the Dutch, and the English came to the Americas later and with
less force than the Spanish. While at first they did find occasional things, their
luck was not great. The French focused on fur trade, their posts in America
were placed more inland and focused on the great lakes. However they didn't
put all their focus on the New World but more on the Old World. Some French
conquerors that were important on finding land and lakes were Samuel de
Champlain, Jacques Cartier, and Giovanni da Verrazano. English settlement
was placed on the East Coast, home to the first 13 colonies. John Cabot was
provided one ship by King Henry VII of England to explore America and was
the first European on record to walk on North America, he was later sent
again this time with five ships but four of them including his were lost at sea.
In 1585, Sir Walter Raleigh received permission from the queen to plant a
colony on Roanoke Island, just off the coast of North Carolina. There were
many set backs but there was finally a colony put in place, however when
supply ships came to check on them, they had all vanished, there are stories
and legends about how they moved to another island or joined the Native
Americans. The Netherlands put on a strong fight to explore North America,
they had colonized an area called New Amsterdam (Manhattan Island) and
was directed by Henry Hudson. However there was lots of struggle and
Netherlands gave up on this area, letting England claim it and rename it New
York.
Columbian Exchange What was it? What was the impact then, and today?
The exchange known as the Columbian Exchange had a bigger impact than
explorers or colonies. Foods like corn, potatoes, and other crops were
essential to evolution. Many cultures would not be what they are today
without the crops that were introduced. For example, Italy would have never
made pizza without the tomatoes that were brought over. Or the fact the
America then and now heavily depends on corn to survive. Farm animals were
also very big and important not only to produce products and help around the
farm, but also to provide more food. Disease however was very deadly during
this time. It wiped
out many Native Americans because they were not immune and used to the
Old World's diseases. In fact most of the native Americans died because of
disease.
Guiding Questions What were the motives that led to European exploration?money and power
*Answer these What were the effects of European exploration, especially on the indigenous
questions as you populations encountered? many indigenous cultures were hurt and shrunk
move along the How has physical geography affected cultures historically? How does it affect
lessons. cultures today? it has prevented some colonies from reaching certain lands
and it affects cultures by not making them mix
Figure/ Empire/Era Characteristics
How is your own cultural history woven into the history of America? my
culture has moved here way later on but having the road already paved for me
has helped my family's future

The Colonial Period: 1607-1763 (Module 3)

Colonies Location/ Colonial Developments
Southern Colonies The five Southern Colonies are Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South
Carolina, and Georgia. These colonies all shared the same climate that
allowed for year-round agriculture. These colonies were mainly established
to make money. In Jamestown, they grew lots and lots of tobacco, but the
governor started giving land to those who paid of debt. This made people
more determined to grow lots of tobacco, transforming the fortunes of
Jamestown. Tobacco became money and Virginians started paying taxes. By
1628, over a million pounds of Virginia tobacco were shipped to England.
From here on, Virginia’s prosperity would be tied to the tobacco market.
However with the making of tobacco, it would drain the land, making the
need for land to rise. They started indentured servants which means the
servants got the ticket they couldn’t afford to buy, the necessities of life
while they worked without pay, and hope of a better future in America
when their years of service were up; the masters got the labor they needed
and more land for every person they brought over. The system was not
perfect and some servants died before their time was up and some masters
were cruel. Maryland known for Act of Toleration which means if a catholic
worshiped the holy Trinity then they were welcomed into Maryland.
Carolina split because North Carolina attracted pirates and had a bad
reputation. South Carolina had many Barbados settlers who brought the
slavery system with them. Georgia, named after King George II, was very
successful at silk production and winemaking, since rum and slavery weren't
allowed.
New England Colonies These religious separatists fled England due to religious persecution. They
came to the New World in 1620 on the Mayflower, although many of the
passengers were not pilgrims but were those searching for a home in the
New World. They struggled to survive their first winter and shared the first
Thanksgiving meal. The third and by far the largest British group to
successfully colonize were the Puritans. They wanted to purify the Church of
England and went to America to prove what an idealist society looks like.
They were very strict and had great consequences (which started the Salem
witch trials). The Puritans were the first ones to emphasize the importance
of education and literacy which lead to the creation of public schools.
Connecticut decided to separate from Massachusetts and create their own
government and they also made the Fundemental Order of Connecticut
which allowed non-church members to vote. The colonization of
Connecticut lead to a fight with some natives. Rhode Island was were all
Colonies Location/ Colonial Developments
refugees of religion could go, it was mixed with many different ideas and
people but viewed as the sewer. New Hampshire grew out of scattered
fishing and Puritan settlements and became a separate colony in 1677. The
area that is now the state of Maine was not one of the original colonies.
Middle Colonies The Middle Colonies of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware
were sandwiched between the prosperous Southern colonies and the
religious New England colonies. These colonies were more tolerant of
diverse religious identities and enjoyed the most peaceful relationship with
Native American tribes compared to the other groups of colonies. These
colonies were the original “melting pot” of the British colonies. Quakers
annoyed everyone in England at the time because they would not follow
what everyone else did and were seen as rebels to everyday acts. The New
York and New Jersey areas were first Dutch. The Duke of York sent a fleet to
take possession of his new lands. The Dutch Governor was forced to give up
New Amsterdam without a fight. The land passed into the hands of the
English, and New Amsterdam became New York. Quakers built a city called
Philadelphia, which means brotherly love. When the Quakers established
Philadelphia they had a very wise policy, they were careful about buying
land from the local inhabitants before they settled on it.
Later Developments Native tribes, led by Metacom (King Philip), united to resist English settlers’
land expansion in New England. The war resulted in heavy losses on both
sides: 25% of the Native population and 6% of colonial men of fighting age
were killed. Colonists ultimately prevailed, devastating Native resistance.
Poor farmers in Virginia, led by Nathaniel Bacon, revolted against Governor
Berkeley due to tensions over Native land and class inequality. The rebellion
led to increased use of African slavery, as planters saw indentured servants
as a threat. In Salem, Massachusetts, fear of witchcraft led to the execution
of 20 people and imprisonment of over 50. "Spectral evidence" played a key
role. The hysteria ended when prominent figures, including the governor’s
wife, were accused.
Guiding Questions What is a colony? a place ruled by another country
*Answer these What role did the concepts of self-government and religious freedom play in
questions as you move the colonial era? It allowed them to put down their own groundwork
along the lessons. How did economic philosophies such as mercantilism promote colonization?
it created a form of unity
Using what you learned about the English colonies in module 3 and the
Spanish and French colonies in Module 2 what differences can you see in
the colonization patterns, goals, and priorities of these three countries?the
English wanted to make a bigger sense of community and same
religion/beliefs.
What impact do you see these colonization patterns, goals, and priorities in
our modern world and specifically in our country today?
 The Road to Revolution: 1607-1763 (Module 4)
Event Characteristics
French & Indian War Cause, Jumonville Glen, Treaty of Paris
The French and Indian War arose from growing tensions between Britain and
France as both nations sought to expand their territories in North America.
The Ohio River Valley became the flashpoint for conflict, as British colonists
moved westward beyond the Appalachians, threatening French expansion. In
1754, a young George Washington, leading the Virginia militia, launched a
surprise attack at Jumonville Glen, killing 10 Frenchmen, including a French
noble, and capturing others. This skirmish ignited the global Seven Years’ War,
known in North America as the French and Indian War. Washington later
retreated to Fort Necessity, where he was forced to surrender after a French
counterattack. The war turned in Britain’s favor under Prime Minister William
Pitt, who invested heavily in resources and appointed younger, more daring
officers. By the Treaty of Paris in 1763, France ceded all its North American
territories, retaining only a few small islands. Britain gained land east of the
Mississippi River, while Spain acquired land to the west, establishing Britain as
the dominant power in North America. Colonists celebrated the end of French
threats, as the renamed Fort Duquesne—now Fort Pitt—symbolized victory.
However, this newfound dominance laid the groundwork for tensions
between Britain and its colonies.
Britain and American Economic system (pros and cons), Acts passed.
Colonists In the early 1700s, the American colonies enjoyed a mostly positive
relationship with Britain. Colonists had significant rights, such as trial by jury,
representation in local legislatures, and protection by the British military.
Britain operated under mercantilism, an economic system where colonies
provided raw materials to the mother country and served as a market for
British goods. Laws like the Navigation Acts regulated colonial trade, requiring
the use of English ships and taxing imports to benefit Britain. While restrictive,
these laws were loosely enforced under a policy of salutary neglect, allowing
the colonies to thrive economically. The Molasses Act of 1733 taxed
non-British molasses but was often avoided through bribery. This loose
enforcement benefited both sides, as colonists prospered, and Britain
indirectly profited. However, after the French and Indian War (1763), Britain's
financial strain led to stricter control over the colonies, ending the era of
salutary neglect. These actions soured relations and contributed to colonial
frustrations, ultimately paving the way for the American Revolution.
Tensions 1763-1770 Proclamation Line, Acts Introduced, Boston Massacre
After the French and Indian War, tensions grew between Britain and the
American colonies. The Proclamation Line of 1763 restricted colonists from
settling west of the Appalachian Mountains to avoid conflicts with Native
Americans, angering colonists who wanted to expand. In response, Britain
introduced several Acts to control colonial trade and raise revenue, including
the Sugar Act (1764), Stamp Act (1765), and Townshend Acts (1767). These
acts led to widespread protests, as many colonists felt they were being taxed
without representation. In 1770, the Boston Massacre occurred when British
soldiers fired into a crowd of colonists, killing five. This event fueled
Event Characteristics
anti-British sentiment and escalated tensions, eventually leading to the
Revolutionary War.
Escalating Tensions Tea Act, Continental Congress, The Battle of Lexington
1770-1775 After the French and Indian War, tensions between Britain and the colonies
worsened. In 1773, the Tea Act was passed to help the financially troubled
British East India Company by allowing it to sell surplus tea directly to the
colonies, bypassing colonial merchants. Colonists saw this as another form of
taxation without representation and protested by organizing the Boston Tea
Party, where they dumped tea into Boston Harbor in defiance. In response,
Britain passed the Intolerable Acts to punish Massachusetts, closing Boston
Harbor and stripping Massachusetts of self-government. These acts united the
colonies, and in 1774, they convened the First Continental Congress in
Philadelphia to coordinate their response. Delegates discussed their
grievances and decided to boycott British goods, while some still hoped for
reconciliation.
In 1775, tensions escalated, and British troops were sent to seize colonial
weapons at Concord, Massachusetts. On their way, they clashed with colonial
militias in the Battle of Lexington. This confrontation marked the beginning of
the Revolutionary War, as colonists armed themselves and fought back against
British forces.
Guiding Questions What defines a political movement as a revolution? a revolution when it seeks
*Answer these to completely overthrow or radically change the existing government or
questions as you societal structure.
move along the Are there specific conditions that are necessary in order for political
lessons. revolutions to occur? often occur due to government dissatisfaction,
economic hardship, social inequality, weak leadership, and a unifying
movement.
What were the important political philosophies used to justify the American
Revolution and advance the cause of liberty? justified by ideas like natural
rights, social contract theory, and consent of the governed, influenced by
philosophers such as John Locke.
What role did propaganda play in promoting the patriot cause? Propaganda
united colonists by spreading anti-British sentiment and promoting
independence.