State Building in the Americas (1200-1450)

Mesoamerica: Pre-1200 Context

• Maya Civilization (250-900 CE):
  • Built large urban centers.
  • Developed the most sophisticated writing system in the Americas.
  • Advanced mathematical systems including the concept of zero.
  • Political structure: Decentralized city-states, often at war.
  • Tributary system: Conquered regions paid tribute in textiles, weapons, etc.
  • Emphasis on human sacrifice for religious purposes (e.g., to energize the sun deity).

Aztec Empire (1345-1528)

• Origins:
  • Established by the Mashika people who migrated south in the 14th century.
  • Gained power through military prowess and strategic marriages.
  • Consolidated power by 1428, forming the Aztec Empire through alliances.
• Political Structure:
  • Decentralized: Conquered peoples formed tributary states, providing food, animals, and materials.
  • Human sacrifice was pivotal for religious motivations.
• Legitimacy and Expansion:
  • Claimed heritage from older Mesoamerican peoples to secure rule.
  • Capital city: Tenochtitlan, population of 150,000-200,000.
  • Economy was commercialized with vast marketplaces.
  • Architectural achievements: Palaces and large pyramid temples.

Andean Civilizations

• Predecessors:
  • Societies in the Andean mountains included the Wari civilization, collapsed around 1000 CE.
• Inca Empire (mid-1400s):
  • Outsiders who rose to power through military strength.
  • Centralized bureaucracy to manage the empire.
  • Labor system (Mida): Required annual labor for state projects (e.g., mining, military).
  • Influenced by predecessors like the Wari, especially in religion and infrastructure.
  • Developed vast networks of roads and bridges.

North America

• Mississippian Culture (8th-9th century CE):
  • First large-scale civilization in North America, centered in the Mississippi River Valley.
  • Fertile land led to agriculture.
  • Hierarchical political structure led by chiefs, known as "the Great Sun."
  • Known for mound-building projects, such as burial sites and religious ceremonies.
  • Major urban center: Cahokia.
• Chaco and Mesa Verde Societies:
  • Located in the southwestern US.
  • Developed water transportation and storage techniques due to dry climate.
  • Chaco: Built structures with sandstone, imported timber.
  • Mesa Verde: Constructed housing complexes in cliff sides using sandstone.