1. The Americas on the Eve of Invasion

2. Civilizations in the Americas Created thriving civilizations –Political organization –Advanced math, astronomy –Agricultural techniques –Population growth and urbanization –Social Stratification –Developed economies & trade Important Civilizations: –Maya, Aztec, Inca

3. Maya Tropical Climate, poor soil Variety of ag. techniques depending on environment –Slash & burn (aka swidden agriculture) –Drain swamps for land –terracing Government: –Series of rival kingdoms w/ hereditary rulers Rulers serve both political & religious function

4. Maya Empire http://www.adishakti.org/images_foreign/mayamap_L.gif http://www.adishakti.org/images_foreign/mayamap_L.gif

5. Maya Religion –3 layer cosmos (underworld, human world, heavens) –Close tie b/t warfare and religion Rituals & fasting before war Use of war to gain captives –Many used for human sacrifice; others for labor –Bloodletting, tattooing, painting of skin –Elaborately decorated temples

6. Maya Science/Technology –Sophisticated calendar-making –Hieroglyphic writing system –Concept of zero in mathematics

7. Maya Collapse of the Maya –Cities abandoned between 800 and 900 –Possible reasons Disease Decline in trade (likely associated with fall of Teotihuacán) Environmental degradation Decline in agricultural production Internal warfare

8. Aztec Mexica (Meh-she-ca) Moved into Central Mexico Began to buildup powerbase near Lake Texcoco 1325: construction on Tenochtitlan & Tlateloco –Twin capitals- Foundation of Mexico City Began to expand & create an empire

9. Aztec http://www.plu.edu/~arnoldwp/img/aztec-empire.jpg

10. Aztec Government: –Single ruler chosen by council of aristocrats –Ruler chosen from royal family –New rulers expected to engage in military conquest to display their power Tie between war and religious ceremony

11. Aztec Social Structure: –Social & economic inequality –Little opportunity for social mobility –Elites used ceremony & ritual to distinguish themselves Better diet, richer clothing, nicer homes, different marriage practices (ie. Commoners were monogamous, elites polygamous)

12. Aztec Economy: –Relied upon agriculture used chinampas (floating gardens) to increase ag. –Tribute system supplied other goods to city Conquered peoples sent food, cloth, luxury items, military equipment, and sacrificial victims to city –Trade important Barter system

13. Aztec Religion: –Polytheistic –Twin temple dedicated to gods –Extensive use of human sacrifice Thousands annually Both religious and political function –Believed gods lived off human hearts and blood –Public sacrifice helped deter rebellion and opposition

14. Andean Civilizations In South America, a series of cultures grew in a most unlikely place –Harsh environment Mountains (Andes) Desert along west coast (Atacama) Rainforest to the east Andean civilizations typically followed the same plan for organization of society and the economy

15. Andean Civilization Economy: –Eac state was organized in a system known as mitá System required communities to contribute workers to perform various forms of labor Colonies were also sent out to exploit resources in the area –Used various ag. techniques to improve productivity Irrigation, terracing, etc. –All goods produced were then brought together for exchange Use of quipu to keep records –Series of knotted colored cords

16. http://www.orquidea.net/peru_travel_center/inca_empire.jpg

17. Inca The Inca began as a chiefdom; expands its power in the 1430’s –Developed an imperial state in the Andes Mountains of South America –By 1525, population of over 6 million Capital: Cuzco (Peru)

18. http://www.anntravelcorp.com/fotos/p000001_ cuzco%20anntravel.jpg Machu Picchu City constructed at height of Inca Empire

19. Inca Buildup of military Government: –Rulers began reign with military conquest to prove their power Created a bureaucracy composed of rulers kinsmen –Military conquest Left local rulers of conquered peoples in place –Heirs of the rulers taken hostage to ensure cooperation

20. Inca Achievements of the Inca: –Skilled at stone work –Cuzco constructed to look like a Mountain Lion Palaces and temples Temple of the Sun –Astronomical observation conducted by priests –Calendar-making

21. Inca Highly structured, government-regulated economy led to prosperity However, imperial system created a system of inequality 1525: Stage is set for European conquest when the Inca were weakened by internal division –Ruler died, triggering a power struggle between his two sons –Civil war weakens the Inca Making them vulnerable to Europeans