New World Encounters, Preconquest–1608 CHAPTER OUTLINE Diverse Cultures: De Vaca’s Journey Through Native America Native Americans Before the Conquest The Environmental Challenge: Food, Climate, and Culture Aztec Dominance Eastern Woodland Cultures Conditions of Conquest Cultural Negotiations Threats to Survival: Columbian Exchange West Africa: Ancient and Complex Societies Europe on the Eve of Conquest Spanish Expansion The Strange Career of Christopher Columbus Spain in the Americas The Conquistadores: Faith and Greed From Plunder to Settlement The French Claim Canada The English Take up the Challenge Birth of English Protestantism Religion, War, and Nationalism Conclusion: Campaign to Sell America