The Neolithic revolution in America Was developed about 8000 years ago when, after the last Holocene Ice Age, there was a great climatic change.
This favored the settlement of the first communities and with them the beginning and Development of agriculture And livestock.
Image via ihistoriauniversal.com
At the beginning of the Neolithic era the humans were engaged in collecting, fishing and hunting, but with the first settlements, one of the main characteristics of the Neolithic period appeared. Among them, it stands out as the man ceased to be nomadic and Becomes sedentary .
The first populated areas were Mesoamerica (central and southern Mexico, and north of Central America) and the central Andes.
You may be interested Stages of Prehistory: Stone Age and Neolithic .
Neolithic revolution arrives in America
Advance agriculture
Challenging natural adversities, the first settlers created sustainable farming techniques. In Mesoamerica the trees were cut down and the place burned to create clearings in which to cultivate. The ashes were used as fertilizer and irrigation canals were created.
In the lakes of what is today the territory of Mexico, agriculture was highly specialized.
Cane rafts were made with fertile soil, which was extracted from the bottom of the lakes. These rafts were attached to the trees or fixed with plants at the bottom of the lakes. The seed in these beds did not need irrigation.
In the areas near the Andes the cultivation was carried out in terraces, practicing steps in the mountain. They fertilized the earth with the excrement of the animals they grew. It was watered with water from the thaw.
Quinoa, potato, cassava, squash and beans were grown. Cattle breeding was limited to the breeding of alpaca and llama, which were used as draft animals. Their skins were used for dress and construction of huts.
The man begins to be sedentary
The appearance of the first settlements are forming productive societies. The man who formerly came down from the mountains in search of prey to hunt, is now established on the banks of the rivers making huts.
In this way the first economy is outlined. Crops began to have surpluses, which could be the currency of exchange for other inputs. This results in interaction with other neighboring tribes.
The artisans arise
The farmer who had surplus crops was rich, but like the farmer, they needed tools they did not have. Their solution was found by the artisans.
The craftsman was dedicated to making pottery, tools and textiles. He changed the articles he made for grains and fruits. Thus barter makes its appearance.
Class division
Preparing the soil for cultivation required a lot of effort. In this way the farmers begin to take possession of the land. In this way private property appears.
With these three elements, private property, barter, and surplus production, social inequality and wealth is created.
This is the seed so that in the later age of metals social classes appear. The Neolithic revolution transformed man, from lonely nomadic predator, into a member of a productive society.
References
- The American Neolithic. (2014). Recovered from Artehistoria.com.
- Neolithic in America. (2017). Retrieved from es.wikipedia.org.
- Neolithic revolution. Recovered from Historialuniversal.com.
- The Neolithic Revolution in America. (2014). Recovered from Yamaikoblog.wordpress.com.