AP World History: Developments in the Americas

Essential Question

• What states developed in the Americas and how did they change over time?

Overview

• Decline of the Olmecs in Mesoamerica and the Chavín in the Andes led to the rise of new civilizations: the Mayans, Aztecs, and Incas.
• Key developments in North America with the Mississippian culture.
• Information sourced from archaeological evidence, world traditions, and writings by Europeans.

Mississippian Culture

• First large-scale civilization in North America (~700s-1800s).
• Located in the Mississippi River Valley.
• Known for building earthen mounds (e.g., Cahokia in Illinois).
• Society Structure
  • Rigid class structure with a chief (Great Sun) at the top.
  • Matrilineal society.
• Decline
  • Abandoned cities by 1600.
  • Possible causes: natural disasters or diseases introduced by Europeans.

Chaco and Mesa Verde

• Located in the southwestern United States.
• Housing Innovations
  • Chaco: large stone and clay structures.
  • Mesa Verde: multi-story homes built into cliffs.
• Decline due to drier climate (late 13th century).

Mayan Civilization

• Peak: 250-600 CE
• Located in southern Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and Guatemala.
• Government
  • City-states ruled by kings.
  • Frequent wars for tribute, not territory.
• Religion, Science, and Technology
  • Advanced in mathematics (concept of zero), astronomy, and writing systems.
  • Developed a highly accurate calendar.
  • Religious ceremonies involved human sacrifices.

Aztec Civilization

• Origins: Migrated to central Mexico in 1200s.
• Capital: Tenochtitlan on an island (now Mexico City).
• Government and Society
  • Tribute system for dominance.
  • Bureaucracy with Emperor (Great Speaker), nobles, and officials.
  • Use of floating gardens (chinampas) for agriculture.
• Religion
  • Complex with many deities.
  • Human sacrifice as a religious and political tool.
• Decline
  • By late 15th century, over-expansion and European diseases.
  • Conquered by Spaniards in 1519.

Incan Empire

• Formation: Began in 1438 by Pachacuti.
• Extended from Ecuador to Chile.
• Government and Society
  • Empire split into four provinces.
  • Mita system: mandatory public service.
• Religion
  • Centered around the Sun god, Inti.
  • Royal ancestor veneration.
• Achievements
  • Developed quipu for record-keeping.
  • Terrace farming and advanced road systems.
• Decline
  • Civil war and European diseases led to Spanish conquest in 1533.

Comparisons and Continuities

• Many Mesoamerican cultures possibly influenced by Olmec civilization.
• Similarities in pyramidal structures and sacrificial practices.

Conclusion

• The video discusses the rise and fall of these American civilizations and their legacies.
• For further discussions on revolutions and related topics, viewers are encouraged to check other videos.

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