AP US History in 1 Minute Daily: 1491 (Day 1/309)

Welcome to APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!

1491, the start of the AP US History curriculum, refers to how the world was prior to massive efforts of exploration and colonization.  Let's take a brief journey back in time and discover what the world looked like over five centuries ago.

In Europe, there was low life expectancy due to events including the Hundred Years’ War and Black Death. Poverty was widespread and trade by route to Asia was long and dangerous. And religious conflict both between various Christian groups and between Christians and Muslims was rampant.

Across the Atlantic, the Americas were home to many diverse and complex civilizations. Between 500 and 600 independent societies existed with varying languages, customs, and ways of life primarily due to the ways in which indigenous peoples adapted to and transformed their environment.

In Africa, powerful empires like the Songhai and Mali prospered through trade and cultural exchange. Large trade routes, based on salt and gold, across the continent fueled economic prosperity. These empires were centers of learning and intellectual thought.

In Asia, the stability of government, technological advancements, and abundance of natural resources made Asia a place of prosperity. In the Indian subcontinent, the Mughal Empire blended influences from Persia and India, creating a rich cultural tapestry.

It is important to understand the context within which the curriculum begins. With this brief introduction, you will be able to better understand both the European goals for exploration and identify the impact of their colonization efforts. 

Join me tomorrow as I explain the “Peopling” of North American in our next APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!