AP World Notes - Unit 2 PDF

Post yuan dynasty - Ming Dynasty Mongols and black death led way for ming to emerge Mongol yuan rulers faced chaos and dissidence White lotus society and red turban - all these movements wanted to get rid of mongols Zhu Yuanzhang finds the new dynasty called the Ming dynasty in 1368 (14th century)...

Post yuan dynasty - Ming Dynasty Mongols and black death led way for ming to emerge Mongol yuan rulers faced chaos and dissidence White lotus society and red turban - all these movements wanted to get rid of mongols Zhu Yuanzhang finds the new dynasty called the Ming dynasty in 1368 (14th century) Wants a lot of unity in china, blend diverse groups due to mongols Emperor Hongwu - Zhu Yuanzhang Progression towards centralization Strong central government there were challenges to rebuilt cities, restore respect for rulers (symbol/figure they can look for stability), and reconstruct bureaucracy that was impaired by the mongols ○ Takes decades to centralize power after the devastation of mongols Hongwu marries the red turban rival, empress ma - they dont want disunity between the groups to increase kinship ○ Empress ma became the kinder, gentler face of the hongwu regime - their regime was gruesome and cruel to make sure everyone was going to obey - respect the authority Emperor Yongle (4th son of hongwu) builds an awe-inspiring capital in Beijing - possible bc of what hongwu set forward: FORCED LABOR Building a bureaucracy Favoritism (kinsmen) to merit (civil service exam) - realized that ppl will take advantage of this Imperial Bureaucrats to oversee administrative works, manufacturing, confucian ideology Reestablished confucian civil service exam system Reforestation project and local village networks to build irrigation - to go back to the pre-mongol era Bureaucratic hierarchy forces all officials to answer the emperor The ming established the most highly centralized govt of the period Hongwu depends on local leadership in big cities and rural areas in agriculture to make sure it is in control Brutal tactics to maintain control - slaughtering to prevent rebellion - to prove a point and keep everyone in line Ming rulership Ming stability and centralization was very unique compared to constant warfare in europe Making relationships with village chiefs and groups to manage his empire - wants to manage his empire in the best way he can Under-governed: All of these officials (10,000-15,000 officials) governing to manage over 200 million people (could've been higher if mongols didn’t kill that many ppl and hongwu’s brutality)  ○ 1376-1393 - most brutal era of hongwu’s tenure, after the early years of reconstruction and it solidified, he became more brutal to prevent rebellions Religion under the ming Emperor revised and strengthened elaborate rites and ceremonies to make sure everyone is unified Strengthened the mandate of heaven Focus on stability so not that much criticism against different religions Ming becomes of the most biggest empires in this time period - it does well Hongwu and his next sons that solidified the ming dynasty as a serious dynasty Competes with european, islamic empires - development of china overshadowing these other empires - Had a chance to become a global dynasty if they kept going - As they go out and explore the seas, certain emperors don't like outside powers Trade and Exploration under the Ming Political stability, Begins to flourish, china engages in other activities including long distance trade by sea As they were engaging in maritime trade, there was a degree of success but also suspicion China is afraid of outside influence, considering what happened with mongols, they were untrustworthy of people taking over again Chinese port cities flourish, big markets for global goods Emperor hongwu said that outside world would undermine his rule ○ Banned maritime commerce in 1371, enforcement was lax, people still did maritime trade behind his back ○ Trade surged despite these fears Reestablished tributes (korea, vietnam, tibet) and revive tang structure 1405-1433 Burst of unusual empire-sponsored (emperor himself funds these expeditions) trading expeditions led by Admiral Zheng He Costs lots of money to fund building ships, expeditions, maps, compasses, armed sailors His overarching fleet was about 25,000 ships Helps to solidify strong chinese state, getting a lot of stuff but exerting their influence to other areas, good for public relations Sailed from China to Middle East and eastern coast of africa Traveled through/very involved in the indian ocean trading network Continued to sponsor to bring china into its greatest heights Very big exception to the ming as a whole, others were very against this, believed that it was too much money to maintain and provide ○ Those advisors were proved wrong as they were coming back with great treasures Emperor Yongle’s sponsorship of a series of spectacular expeditions in the early fifteenth century was an exception to Ming attitudes toward the outside world. From 1405 to 1433, Admiral Zheng He led seven expeditions in the Indian Ocean to establish trade and tributary relationships. After the death of Emperor Yongle, expeditions declined. While maritime trade continued without official patronage, the Ming decision to forgo overseas ventures deprived merchants and explorers of vital support. Chinese Xenophobia China canceled all expeditions in 1433 CE Scholars opposed trading policies and fought with Zheng He Costs seemed too much New emperor wanted to differentiate his era from his predecessors Xenophobia: shift to traditional rather than foreign involvement No need to actively obtain foreign goods China lost its chances to become a very big world power, europe/west becomes more powerful as a result — Europe Church has a huge degree of power in this time, dominant force (1000-1300) Europe localizes power, increases belief in existence of “Europe” as an entity and “European” as an identifier Franks became unchallenged rulers, france becomes france ○ Manor based economy (manorialism) ○ Agriculture, some manufacturing and trade Peasants migrating to frontiers of europe to escape feudal lords In russia, theres a shift to model their states to byzantium ○ Mongols disrupt everything ○ Still connected somewhat by trade ○ Still needs to catch up with everyone else Development of Maritime Trade Sea trade has been on the rise, by the time of the 13th-14th century trade is in full effect ○ Navigational aid (compasses, astrolabes) ○ refinements in shipbuilding (many older ships couldn't go into deeper waters) ○ better mapmaking (knew the routes to take to travel, most maps showed the world as afro eurasia centered, a lot more land than water) ○ new political support for shipping (many leaders are going to be on board with funding these missions/expeditions bc they see the bigger picture to get more money/influence/power) New ship types  ○ Caravel (multiple masts) ○ Dhows (arab world), junks (eastern asia), cogs (single masted in europe) Holy Roman Empire (962-1806) Emerges from one kingdom (germany, italy) from treaty of verdun Charlemagne is crowned as holy roman empire in 800 ○ Position falls into disuse, empire falls into decline ○ Revived in 962, otto I crowned holy roman empire Merges classical and christian claims, to continue/base off of ancient rome Provides small amount of stability, but power of emperor was limited bc of feudalism ○ Most german states were run by feudal lords and most of italy in city-states Falls in disuse again until its dissolve in 1806 during napoleonic wars Limiting Government There were a lot of monarchies growing in these periods, a lot of groups are trying to limit the power of these monarchies (some are successful, some aren’t bc they have absolute power) 1215: Magna Carta ○ During rule of King John, nobles of england rebelled against him (reinstate rights, collect taxes) and forced him to sign the Magna Carta ○ Recognizes the supremacy of written law, forced to adhere to it ○ Granted basic rights to noblemen ○ Rule of law extends to everyone ○ Magna carta laws foundation of 1265 w/ creation of english parliament 1265: first english parliament - england ○ Parliament: institution in england to serve as check on royal authority (tax collection/etc) ○ Collaboration between king and vassals ○ Parliamentary monarchy Three Estates System (church, nobles, commoners) - france ○ Clergy (small percentage of population) - controls a lot of territory, tax-exempt ○ Nobles - upper echelon of government, state officials, law officers, everything that runs society, MOSTLY tax-exempt ○ Commoners - peasants, middle class, craftsman, small business, most percentage of population, responsible for paying majority of taxes ○ All of these estates operate in an estates general (their own parliament, own representation from their estates) ○ System is flawed bc commoners have more people but have less representation; all estates have one vote but the clergy and nobles usually outvote the commoners (bc they disagree with the commoners) Monarchs continue to increase their power ○ Leads to full scale wars such as the Hundred Years War (116 years - 1337 to 1453) - between england and france ○ As the war goes, it leads to ideas of nationalism  ○ France wins, england withdraws; as a result, france’s power becomes more centralized under a series of monarchs called Bourbons (became large power in europe) Crusades (European perspective) Called by pope urban II in 1095 to end muslim control (seljuk turk) of holy land Initial success but ultimately end with defeat coming from western europe - passes through byzantine empire (architectural achievements) New contact with islam, absorbed a lot of info from crusades, opens western Europe’s eyes to new possibilities, especially trade ○ Sugarcane, spices, porcelain, glassware, carpets from east ○ Unbalanced trade - west wants eastern goods Highlights aggressive spirit of western europe The Crusades were a holy war/religious war, but it was also for economic and political reasons Group that fought in crusades: ○ Knights templar: catholic military order (12th-14th century), very wealthy and powerful, connected with lots of areas, skilled fighters, managed the christian finances, in charge of money and allocating to different things, had big network to fund different groups In 14th century, a lot of corruption was exposed, hoarding a lot of money for themselves; distrusted by a lot of people, some were captured and tortured Disbanded by the pope in the 14th century Other crusade-like campaigns of christian expansion were more successful Spanish kings push back muslim groups, adding 100,000 square miles to christian europe Conquering of muslim-held sicily Ensured christian rule in strategically located mid-mediterranean island Two conquests turned the tide in relations between christian and muslim power in mediterranean Rise of catholic church, spread of universities and intellectuals, and fight against muslims helped to create a european cultural sphere Christianity became universalizing faith and transformed europe - preeminent power in europe Catholic Church - becomes most powerful and wealthy institution in west - Opportunities for abuse and corruption; control masses as much as they could - Owns bigger pieces of land; owns a lot of money from this bc of taxes - Not a lot of pushback from ppl bc they just obey, ppl who do disobey are the higher ups who want the land for themselves - Arguments for church vs. state Religious Reform 1073-1085: Pope Greogry VII; great reforming popes of the century Initiates discussions of separation of church and state Separation Of secular and religious spheres Free church from interference of state; to prove that church is superior Investiture controversy: power struggle between HRE henry IV - Investiture: act of formally making someone a bishop/giving them a position/investing them with a rank Goes on for years, does not rly get resolved with these figures Comes to an end with Concordat of Worms (treaty) Ends at 1122 - Henry V and Pope Calixtus II at the receiving end of disagreement King will invest bishops/etc in the land that they govern, but it is without sacred authority (without the blessing of the pope); its a joint effort Ends the struggle for now… Monasticism (nuns/monks) Monasteries are where religious and educational centers/intellectual progression centers Provides discipline in intense spirituality, encourage christians to do what the monks were doing (being celibate and extreme piety) - Very effective, more connected to the church - Ordinary ppl follow these examples to become more connected with the faith Western Monasticism started with Benedict of Nursia (6th century) - Creates Benedictine rule for monks, sets a precedent for what ppl do in the future The High Middle Ages 11th-15th centuries: as more of these cities emerge from dark ages Increased urbanization (growth of cities) and declining manorialism/feudalism (in some places), increase in social mobility Increased trade with asia - big influence on development of europe Increased economic activity and banking - banks will be more commonplace, they weren't previously, more trading leagues, buying ideas of insurance Increased universities - bigger education span for everyone, literacy becomes more common Declining feudal political structures and emerging centralized monarchies (such as france) Strengthening of nation states (hundred years’ war) New warfare/agriculture/all areas of society technology Urbanization and Education Population increase, concept of towns are more popular (such as italy) ○ Growing economy (trade and some agriculture) and markets; commerce ○ Literacy expands in urban centers ○ Decrease in viking raids (allows for a lot of these things to happen); more protection and professional armies to prevent raids  Emphasis on education ○ A lot is tied with the church (at first in the 13th-14th c.) - transformation to more secular education later on ○ From 11th century - cathedral schools trained children to be clergy members ○ From 13th century - universities trained students in theology, medicine, law Growth of the these cities and education help to create economic and cultural vitality in europe after 1000 Theology (Assimilating Faith and Reason) Question if faith and reason can work together 1. One side supported by bernard of clairvaux - monk (disagrees) a. Opposed approach of integration of greek philosophy and catholic tradition 2. Thoman Aquinas a. Faith should be primary, but if you continue to question things and have issues with blindly follow your faith, you can reconcile it by integrating greek philosophy with catholic theology, can even enhance each other b. Scholasticism - logic to resolve theological problems Religion in Art and Literature (pre-renaissance) Reflected religious themes Starts to change with gothic architecture, more individuality and unique styles ○ Big stress in verticality, closer to god/heavens Literature ○ Law had some religious backgrounds to justify things ○ In 13th-14th century there's a change with a more secular tone Agricultural Innovations Moldboard: curved iron plate; allowed for deeper turning of heavy soil, helps to plow fields more easily instead of primarily by hand Yoke: wooden bar or frame by which two draft animals are joined at the heads or necks for working together More improvements on crop rotation/planting crops Agricultural improvements →increased production → population growth (sometimes to the point where there's overpopulation)→ increased size of urban areas Peasants get somewhat of a financial freedom with agricultural advances/in the feudal confines, some become free farmers with no landlord to move to cities Growth of Trade and Banking 13th-15th century - significant increase in trade and banking - in England and the low countries Money becomes more commonplace More banks and insurance firms Hanseatic League - confederation of merchants/economic guilds that come together for mutual benefit in these trade routes Merchants had some power in trading cities - while they had lower social status they were very influential Period in which money becomes more commonplace, more ppl (christians) become more concerned with growing capitalism and greed Guilds - Renaissance era europe Organizations that grouped people in the same business or trade in a single city Artisan guilds, craft guilds, etc Masters that teach apprentices ○ There would only take a certain amount of ppl to set prices/protect markets/regulate The Role of Women Usually still remained traditional, very patriarchal Code of Chivalry: reinforced idea that women should be subordinate to men; placed women second to men Women had an alternative to marriage: joining a monastery to become a nun No property rights but could trade and join some craft guilds Women didn’t get much education Growing literature discussing women’s roles as comforters to men, but still far from moving away from a traditional roles Religion had two attitudes: Respect women, give them cultural/religious prestige; connection to virgin mary and female saints Emphasis on Eve as a source of sin Decline of Medieval World (after 1300) Overpopulation ○ In high middle age period, population had general increase ○ Some areas had overpopulation, surplus of food can support these ppl, but they couldn't build that many houses to keep up Severe famine Warfare and Military ○ Hundred Years War ○ Knights lose military purpose (goes away); titles become decorative If they were still capable, some knights became foot soldiers Feudalism is gone, professional armies grow, shook authority of feudal lords who used to supply armies ○ New weaponry and traditional weapons become irrelevant (showcased in hundred years war) Disease ○ Bubonic Plague (1348) ○ Effects were brutal in europe - ½ to ⅔ european population killed ○ Started in china and travels along silk road Aristocrats don’t disappear, choose to live in rich ceremonial style that exhibits court life and chivalry Changing Culture Church becomes stricter ○ Controversies over pope’s authority distance church from everyday devotion ○ Reformers and mystics emerge; no longer need Church to have direct experience with God Proto-Renaissance: Intellectual and artistic life develop ○ Art: realistic portrayals of space & nature + growing interest in human body The Postclassical West and Its Heritage “Middle Ages”: break between glory of Rome and glitter of Renaissance Marked change in relationship between West and regions around it (Crusades & trade) ○ Europe originally at mercy of invasions (Ex. Vikings, nomadic central Asian groups) Nervous about growing power of Islam (threat to Christians and Holy Land) ○ Yet actively copy Islam (law, science, art) The Rise of the West: Era of Change Medieval institutions decline Strengthening of monarchies and regional governments Hundred Years’ War→ new military and technological advancements Acceptance of capitalism + interest in trade Silk Roads provide increasing access to Asian knowledge and technology ○ West becomes used to asian luxury goods but only had less valuable stuff to offer; so they had to make up with gold ○ 1400: gold famine threaten european economy State Building and Economic Recovery Europe rulers try to rebuild and consolidate their power ○ Habsburgs (most powerful ruling dynasty): provide emperors for Holy Roman Empire from 1438 to 1806 but never restored Europe to an integrated empire. Europe had no unifying language Rulers faced obstacles from rival private armies, clergy, printing press Europe’s political reorganization took the form of centralized national monarchies and wealthy city-states. The Renaissance The cultural achievements in the Italian city-states, France, Netherlands, England, and Holy Roman Empire between 1430 and 1550. ○ Opened the way for secular (nonreligious) forms of learning Competing ideas of governance ○ Educated men and women challenged political authority  ○ The Prince written by Florentine Machiavelli was an essay which argued that political leadership was about mastering the amoral means of power and statecraft. Italian Renaissance 1400; rebirth and revival of styles from classical Greece and Rome Why italy? ○ Medieval forms + feudalism never permanently took control ○ More contact with Greek/Roman tradition ○ Leaders in baking, trading ○ Began in florence Secularism in the Renaissance Religious art dominant, but used realistic portrayals of people and nature Non-religious subjects emerge Humanism: interest in individuality and human capability Architecture: gothicism to classicism Iberian Spirit Iberian Peninsula contested territory between Christians and Muslims ○ Christian military leaders had been pushing back against Muslims for centuries Rigorous military and religious agenda ○ Government had responsibility to promote Christianity by converting/expelling arabs and jews ○ Expand Christian territory Dynasty Building and Reconquest in Spain Spain had a hard time state building b/c of rivalry among kingdoms + lack of religious unity Isabella of Castile + Ferdinand of Aragon get married & unite the wealthy Castile kingdom with Aragon’s Mediterranean trading networks ○ Pushed muslims out of Iberia The Inquisition and Westward Exploration Isabella + Ferdiand attempted to drive out all non-Catholics from Spain 1481: Inquisition launched and targeted Christian-converted Jews+ Muslims Fall of Granada: monarchs ordered all Jews out of Spain The monarchs gave support to Christopher Columbus who promised them wealth Early Western Expansion Technological barriers had prevented long-distance European exploration ○ Then in 15th century began to use Chinese/Arab tech such as compass and maps Henry the navigator sponsored portuguese voyages  ○ Scientific curiosity, spread Christianity, seek wealth ○ Set up cash crop colonies (sugar, tobacco, cotton) ○ Interest in slave labor from Northwest africa Political Consolidation and Trade in the Iberian Peninsula Portuguese seized North African fortress at Ceuta + Morocco which allowed them to access Mediterranean + Atlantic without interference ○ Also defeat Castile (modern Spain) Outside the World Network Not affected by new international exchanges Challenging resistance to Europeans Americas: disunity among Aztecs + conquered people lead to resentment Polynesia: lots of expansion + migration to Hawaii and New Zealand — 🇺🇸💸🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅 **This is sugoi test notes ** gambare gambare!! Africa and the Americas Sub-Saharan Africa more involved with Eurasia by commercialism and migration - Due to Islam’s spread and growing trade; allows Africa to be more involved in exchange networks of Eastern Hemisphere - Gets exposed to newer groups to people living there, brings Islam into the mix - America still fairly isolated West Africa and Mande-speaking People - Have been part of this world for a while; plays as the go-between to connect the rest of the area because of their expertise in trade and commerce - By 11th century, mande spreads their cultural, commercial, political into the high grasslands - Becomes more involved in the local level, ppl are more exposed to what happens in the world (Local councils and sacred kingships) The Mali Empire (west coast of africa) 13th century Mande successor state to kingdom of Ghana Shared with everyone through the Epic of Sundiata (basically how they got there + development of the area) - Triumph of cavalry (horses) forces won over foot soldiers Mali king Mansa Musa (ruled 1312-1332) 👑 v important!!  - Went through insane cracked pilgrimage to Mecca, was one of the wealthiest and flaunted to people in the city of Cairo - Important bc it shows the extent of how islam had spread far below the sahara Mali Empire had two of largest West African cities: 1. Jenne a. Trading hub b. ancient northern commercial entrepot, got bigger 2. Timbuktu a. Founded 1100 CE originally as a seasonal camp for nomads, however as time goes on, it transforms to a big trafficking commercial intellectual religious center by the 14th century b. 3 large mosques built that are still standing - shows the extent/growing influence of Islam Sub-Saharan Africa map shows importance of trafficking, slaves, gold, salt (lowk one of the most important stuff), etc Trade between East Africa and Indian Ocean East and Southern african regions were also integrated into the long distance trading systems - Wind patterns help the ships get to shore in the east coast of Africa, starts commercial trade - Swahili coast/people in the east africa east becomes the brokers for trade, sends out gold, slaves, goods, etc - Eastern and Southern areas valued gold compared to west?/other areas of Africa - African slaves were very valued as a trading commodity, they weren't seen as ppl, they were seen as goods, valued as much as gold/salt, it was a means to get free labor - Attempts to limit the harshness of slavery - Quran attempts to mitigate the severity of slavery by requiring owners to treat their slaves with kindness and generosity (didn’t rly carry it out) - Slave trade flourished under Islam - Zanj slave rebellion in 9th century CE (revealed harsh conditions) - some ppl abolished slavery but overwhelming majority continued slavery — 😭😭😭😭 The Americas on the Eve of Invasion (why is this text so smoll and adorable) girl wth (more about aztecs or incas if asked on the americas on the ap test) Apart from the limited viking contact, there was still no full connection between the americas to the rest of the world Shift starts to happen as the commercialism in europe reaches the americas Andean states of South America Chimu/Chimor Empire  First in south america to settle in the moche valley (pacific side of south america) Moche valley Moche ppl expanded their influence across their region to expand their influence across values and ecological zones Highly commercialized, engaged in a lot of trade, agriculture as base of economy (was very important bc they wouldn't be able to survive in the mountains without it, had to make due with what they had) Complex irrigation system (shows the great knowledge of the ppl) Cotton exports - what a lot of the commercialism revolved around Well trained bureaucracy that oversaw construction of building projects/canals/ governmental/religious Knew what territory was theirs Chan Chan - empires biggest city ○ 30000 inhabitants ○ Had the make-up of any other big city - walls, roads, palaces, burial complexes for emperors Lasts until the Incas invade The Incas Chimor Kingdom (900-1465) Dominant in this region of north coast of peru Had bureaucracy, metalworking, trade (was well put together) Inca empire Knows the weak points of chimor by taking over irrigation system Same location as conquered chimor, andes mountains; Very expansionist Separated into clans (ayllus) in southern andes; “People of the sun”; Major god is Inti By 1350, they lived in and around capital of cuzco Controls regions by 1438 under Pachacuti; centered around lake titicaca; him and his (tupac inca, huayna capac) descendents aggressively expand for 60 years 1438-1471 pachacuti achieves it, his descendents continue it Techniques of Inca Imperial Rule Very centralized, inca ruler and governors of four provinces, bureaucracy; local rulers maintain their position Integrated various ethnic groups into a tribute empire (supply labor on government land) Quechua is spread and language to unite empire; more spoken language rather than written Military: systems of roads, way stations (tambos/places to stop during travel), storehouses (places to put food/etc for later) Extensive irrigated agriculture; large building and irrigation projects “Split inheritance” - process where the chosen successor to a ruler; what he inherits land wise isn’t technically his because its owned by the dead ruler? (his legacy) as he takes it to the afterlife; the new successor has to get their own new land Inca Culture Overarching and highest creature god (creator/sun god) is Viracocha  ○ Temple of the sun at cuzco; center of state religion ○ Local gods survive, before the incas were there ○ Worshiped their ancestors, deceased rulers were mummified ○ Practiced animism (gives spiritual spirit to things in nature) Had human sacrifice (mostly animal sacrifice); performed them for droughts/plague/famine to fix the problem; to please the gods Had a sense of a moral ground; if they were good in their lives they'll get rewarded in their afterlife; right vs. wrong Cuzco (capital city) at its height, maintained a professional army. They managed their bureaucracy; the majority of the population was peasants (how they got things done); they created food surpluses, allowing them to support larger cities. At its height, the city had 300,000 people. Tributes - Mita system - conquered subjects of inca had to follow in forms of labor Women had household roles/caregivers to children/preparing food Cultural achievements ○ Metallurgy (copper, bronze) ○ No writing system but knotted strings (quipu) for accounting ○ Monumental architecture (steep slopes) ○ Agriculture was base of economy; but engaged in long distance trade Farming - Corn, maize, squash, potatoes Decline of the Incas 1532 - Pizarro comes to conquer inca territory - under leadership of Atahualpa Incas were in the midst of civil war; easy for spanish to conquer them Assisted by the disease (measles, smallpox); diminishes the population by 95% By 1572, the incas are eradicated from that region Toltecs: Precursors to the Aztecs Precolumbian - before the voyages of columbus and conquests of the spanish Mesoamerican civilization in mexico; Capital city at Tula, 968 Ruled by a warrior-aristocracy; warrior based social class; better you were as a warrior, the better you were in society Ruled through tribute-based system ○ Did very well; created a large empire whose influence extends beyond central mexico; to have long distance trade into the american south-west Conquered the mayan civilization in the later 10th century; borrowed their ideas Had a belief in Quetzalcoatl - goes back to the first century BC; has been around for a while; god of the wind/knowledge (stays this way until the aztecs) Heavily militaristic; human sacrifices, constantly going to war 1150 - Collapse; outclassed by the northern nomads (aztecs) that conquer them The Aztecs Also known as Mexica - Azlan (mythical origin story of where they came from) - came from northern mexico realistically Political power and people move to shores along lakes in mexico valley  ○ Lakes provide fishing, farming, transportation ○ More of the aztecs migrate to the shores of these big lakes Speak language called nahuatl - unifying factor In 1325, aztecs founded Tenochtitlan, on island in center of lake texcoco As they get into the capital city, over the next 100+ years, they conquer surrounding areas - gulf of mexico to pacific ○ By 1434, aztecs dominate central valley and begin to conquer either city-states ○ Establish a tribute empire - prisoners used for human sacrifices ○ Central valley inhabited by mixture of people dominant by tributes divided into city states 200,000 people at its height at the capital; could've been more, but there was only so much space to have that many people At the center of capital, there was a great pyramid - biggest religious center buildings - made of stone Transported to different areas through boats Aztecs Society Transformation from loose clans to hierarchical society ○ Ruler (Moctezuma II) - head of state/religion - representative of gods Tlatoani - great speaker - aztecs were a theocracy, gods moved all the things they did ○ Nobles - warrior based society ○ Peasants ○ Slaves (war captives) Known for their expansionist nature, very aggressive, had professional armies, collected taxes and slaves/war captives ○ Fought to wound you enough so that you couldn’t move, bring you back so you could be killed later, very brutal ○ More you succeeded in battle, the more you were successful in society Wore jaguars skin, hawk’s feather, human skin (showed that you were the most noble/higher in the social hierarchy) ○ Grows to about 12 million people at its height; organized into different clans (calpulli) that dictate social status Social gaps widen between nobles and commoners Society was always ready for conquest and motivated by religion; dedication to service of gods Aztec Religion Natural and spiritual world are seamless, work hand in hand; very polytheistic Hundred of deities in 3 groups: fertility, agriculture, water/rain ○ Pays tributes to gods through festivals, ceremonies, feasting, dancing, warfare, and sacrifice The biggest 2 is going to war and sacrifices ? Sacrifices increased ○ Huitzilopochti was their man patron god (deity of war, sun, and human sacrifice) Patron of tenochtitlan  ○ Xipe Totec - god of agriculture and fertilization ○ Tlaloc - god of rain ○ Different offerings for different purposes; main purpose was to appease the gods ○ Motivated by religious conviction? Or terror and political control? (a little bit of both) Includes ritual cannibalism Aztec Economy Very agrarian community; different environments compared to others Chinampas - man made floating islands that yielded large amount of crops, constructed to provide additional farming land ○ Farming organized by clans; maize and beans ○ No use of wheel or laboring animals ○ Military weapons - Atlatl - club with pieces of volcanic rock/obsidian that were no contest to the European weapons Vibrant daily markets highly regulated by state - Way more compared to others Gender and Technology Women’s primary domain - household, cooking, weaving Overcomes technological constraints in terms of food preparation ○ Grind corn by hand on stone boards that were time consuming ○ No wheels/suitable animals for power like Europe Can own/inherit property and will it to heirs Arranged marriages ○ Elite use polygamy, commoners are monogamous ○ For political reasons Aztecs vs. Incas Similarities Built on earlier empires that preceded them ○ Aztecs - toltecs ○ Inca - chimor Excellent organizers (imperial, military) Intensive agriculture under state control Started off as loose clans that transformed into hierarchy Ethnic groups allowed to survive ○ Inca - incorporate into empire; aztecs rule them harshly (labor) Animilastic religion Differences Aztecs have sophisticated trade, markets; inca have no separate merchant class Aztecs developed a system of writing, inca do not Decline of Aztecs Started in the late 15th century into the 1520s; Dealing with internal problems But in the 1520s, the arrival of the spanish causes their decline - Cortez Spanish were superior in terms of technology  Spanish ended up making alliances with other groups to team up against the aztecs Mostly through disease, their population diminishes (90%), rest taken through warfare Peoples of the Americas (North america, etc) Great variety, many different groups, not empires like aztecs/incas, some expanded to greater heights but no big states that were formed ○ Some use of irrigation, limited technology, no states formed Long distance/regional trade, market cities In some areas in island nations (caribbean islands) had hierarchical societies divided into chiefdoms ○ Resembled polynesian societies North america had 200 separate languages by 1500 (highly intensive on agricultural and nomadic groups) Nothing compared to the Aztecs and Incas Cahokians in North America Cahokia was the largest city in north america ○ 15,000 people lived in the city (does not come as close to the toltecs, chimor) ○ Farmers and hunters deals with resources and access to trade; somewhat of a merchant class ○ Landscape dominated by big mounds that had some political/religious significance Represented the growing network of trade and migration across north america