State Building in the Americas (1200-1450)
Mesoamerica
Pre-1200 Context
- Maya civilization had a decentralized structure with city-states.
- Engaged in expansion for tributary networks, rather than territory.
- Emphasized human sacrifice for religious reasons.
Aztec Empire (1345-1528)
- Origins: Mexica people migrated south in the early 14th century.
- Power Establishment: Consolidated power by 1428.
- Formed an alliance with two other states.
- Expansion driven by both political and religious motivations.
- Maintained a decentralized political structure with tributary states.
- Cultural Aspects:
- Human sacrifice played a significant role.
- Claimed heritage from respected ancient civilizations.
- Infrastructure:
- Magnificent city of Tenochtitlan as capital.
- Commercialized economy with large marketplaces.
- Impressive architecture including pyramid temples.
Andean Civilizations
Pre-Inca Influence
- Wari society influenced later civilizations.
Inca Empire
- Establishment: Rose to power in the same region as previous civilizations.
- Power Structure: Highly centralized with a vast bureaucracy.
- Required labor from conquered peoples via the mita system.
- Infrastructure:
- Extensive road and bridge networks.
- Borrowed systems from earlier civilizations like Wari.
North America
Mississippian Culture
- Location: Mississippi River Valley.
- Society:
- First large-scale civilization in North America.
- Hierarchical political structure led by chiefs known as the Great Sun.
- Innovation:
- Noted for extensive mound-building projects (e.g., Cahokia).
Chaco & Mesa Verde Societies
- Region: Southwestern United States.
- Challenges: Dry climate with limited resources.
- Technological Solutions:
- Chaco built structures from sandstone blocks and imported timber.
- Mesa Verde built cliffside housing complexes.
For further study, explore other resources and review guides to deepen understanding of these civilizations and their contributions to state-building practices in the Americas.