a p united states history（美国历史上一个p）（470页）.docVIP

AP United States History Outline Notes Unit 1: The American Colonial and Revolutionary Experience (Beginnings to 1783) Lesson 1: - The earliest discovery and settlement of America was a result of revolutionary developments which alters the course of mankind The Pre-Columbian, Native American civilizations, included a variety of cultures and diverse geographic influences The first American settlers probably came from Asia 25,000-30,000 years ago, during the last of the four great ice ages, across a land bridge that now lies beneath the Bering Strait in pursuit of large game animals (bison, mastodons). These early immigrants to America used simple stone and wooden tools, woven baskets, fishing nets and fire. As big game diminished, they began cultivating wild plants (about 7000 B.C.). Permanent settlements emerged as they learned to farm and extended families live together in small bands. The Native American tribes of Central and South America displayed complex architecture and scientific knowledge, and were more advanced than the North American tribes. Mayas The Mayas who populated Central America and the Yucatan Peninsula peaked around 900 A.D., about 500 years prior to the arrival of Columbus (1492). The last Mayan dynasty was eliminated in the 1697 in Flores, Guatemala. They developed a highly advanced civilization with a system of hieroglyphic-type writing, an accurate calendar more precise than those used in Europe, a mathematical system with a zero and a system of astronomy which could predict solar eclipses. Their cities, complete with pyramids, religious temples and plazas were largely ceremonial centers for religious rather than military fortresses or administrative centers. Incas The Incas settled in the Andes Mountains of Peru, with their capitol located at Cuzco. They were a wealthy empire and their engineering skills rank them among the greatest builders in world history. The city of Machu Picchu , undiscovered until f