AP World History Modern Readings: Chapter 1.4 - Developments in the Americas

Introduction

• Quote from Nezahualcoyotl, an Aztec poet, emphasizing love for humanity.
• Essential question: What states developed in the Americas, and how did they change over time?
• Post-Olmec and Chavin civilizations led to the rise of the Mayans, Aztecs, and Incas.
• First large-scale civilization in North America emerged.
• Civilizations had strong states, urban centers, and belief systems.
• Knowledge comes from archaeological evidence, oral traditions, and European writings.

Mississippian Culture

• First large-scale civilization in North America, starting in the Mississippi River Valley.
• Known for building earthen mounds, such as Cahokia.

Government and Society

• Rigid class structure with the Great Sun as the chief.
• Matrilineal society: social standing determined by the women's family.

Decline

• Abandonment around 1450-1600 due to possible extreme weather or European diseases.

Chaco and Mesa Verde

• Emerged in the southwestern United States with innovations for living in dry conditions.
• Chaco: stone and clay housing structures.
• Mesa Verde: multi-story cliffside homes.
• Declined in late 13th century due to a drier climate.

Mayan Civilization

• Height between 250 and 600 CE, in present-day Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala.

Government

• City-states ruled by a king, with wars for tribute, not territory.
• Decentralized government with no central rule.

Religion, Science, and Technology

• Developed a zero-based number system.
• Complex writing and calendar system linked to astronomy.

Aztec Civilization

• Migrated to central Mexico in 1200s, capital: Tenochtitlan.

Government, Economy, and Society

• Tribute system enforced dominance.
• Theocracy with the emperor as the Great Speaker.
• Social hierarchy from nobles to slaves.

Religion

• Intricate pantheon and human sacrifices.
• Political component in sacrifices to show empire's might.

Role of Women

• Women were important in tribute system.
• Roles included priestesses and merchants.

Decline

• Low technology and over-expansion led to decline.
• Resentment from conquered peoples.
• Spanish arrival in 1519 marked the decline.

Incan Empire

• Began with Pachacuti in 1438, expanded to a full empire.
• Spanned from Ecuador to Chile.

Government, Economy, and Society

• Efficient administration with four provinces.
• Mita system of mandatory public service.

Religion

• Inti, sun god, central to religion.
• Royal ancestor veneration.
• Animism: huaca with supernatural powers.

Achievements

• Quipu for numerical information.
• Agricultural terrace systems and road networks.

Decline

• Spanish conquest during civil war.
• European diseases contributed to decline.

Continuities and Diversity

• Debate on cultural connections; Olmec influences cited.
• Innovations like pyramids and ball courts continued in later cultures.

Comparison of Civilizations

• Maya (400-1517), Aztec (1200-1521), Inca (1200-1533) with varied crops, trade, and government structures.
• Polytheistic religions with human sacrifices.

Key Terms by Theme

• Culture, North America: Mississippian.
• Government: Aztec (Mexica), Theocracy, Inca (Pachacuti, Mita System).
• Technology: Inca (Carpanan).
• Religion: Inca (Temple of the Sun, Animism).

Conclusion

• Emphasis on the significance of developments in the Americas.
• Motivation to explore further chapters for deeper understanding.

---

• Encouragement to stay engaged with AP World History content and be prepared for future chapters.