Aztec vs. Spanish Study Guide Notes

Vocabulary

  • Plateau: A flat elevated area of land.
  • Pre-columbian: Referring to the history and cultures of the Americas before European contact.
  • Saline: Containing salt.
  • Ecological Zone: An area defined by its ecological characteristics, including climate, vegetation, and wildlife.
  • Semi-nomadic: A lifestyle that combines settled farming with seasonal movement to new areas for resources.
  • Incentive: Something that motivates or encourages one to do something.
  • Codex: An ancient manuscript in book form, often containing significant cultural or historical information.
  • Destiny: A predetermined course of events often considered inevitable.
  • Incarnation: The embodiment of a deity or spirit in a physical form.
  • Conquistador: Spanish soldier and explorer who led the conquest of the Americas in the 16th century.
  • Epoch: A significant period in history or a person's life.
  • Altepetl: An indigenous city-state, unique to Mesoamerican culture.
  • Militarism: The belief in maintaining a strong military capability and being prepared to use it aggressively.
  • Tribute: A payment made periodically by one state or ruler to another, especially as a sign of dependence.
  • Obsidian: A naturally occurring volcanic glass used for tools and weapons.
  • Oral Tradition: The practice of passing stories and cultural knowledge by word of mouth.
  • Disdain: A feeling of contempt or lack of respect.
  • Parish: A local church community.
  • Omen: A sign or warning of future events, often interpreted as prophetic.
  • Cacao Beans: The seeds from which chocolate is made, important in Mesoamerican cultures as a commodity.
  • Cottage Industry: A small-scale, decentralized manufacturing business often operated from home.
  • Eurasia: The combined continental landmass of Europe and Asia.
  • Impersonate: To pretend to be someone else, often for deceitful purposes.
  • Templo Mayor: The main temple of the Aztecs located in their capital, Tenochtitlán.
  • Equinox: The time when day and night are of equal length, marking the change of seasons.
  • Troubadour: A poet or musician who traveled and composed songs, often in the romantic tradition.
  • Solstices: Times of the year where the sun reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky, marking the changing seasons.
  • Confrontation: A disagreement or clash between parties.
  • Hacienda: A large estate or plantation in Spanish-speaking regions, often involving agriculture.

Concepts, Events, People

  • Aztec Geographical Features and Divisions: Understand the physical geography, including mountain ranges, bodies of water, and urban development in the Aztec Empire.
  • Aztec Interactions with Others: Examine alliances and enmities with neighboring tribes and other cultures.
  • The Long Migration: Refers to the Aztec people's journey and settlement in the Valley of Mexico.
  • Aztec Economy:
    • Agriculture: Techniques and crops, such as maize, that supported Aztec population.
    • Tribute: Goods paid by subject peoples to the Aztec Empire as a form of taxation.
    • Trading / Marketplaces: Centers like Tlatelolco where trade occurred.
  • Aztec Technologies and Tools: Innovations including advances in agriculture (e.g., chinampas) and weaponry (e.g., atlatl).
  • Aztec Religion / Worldview: The polytheistic nature of Aztec beliefs, importance of gods, and rituals.
  • Aztec Values:
    • Religious Tolerance: Assimilation of other deities into their pantheon.
    • Military Service / Strategies: Role of the warrior class and military conquest in expansion.
    • Arts: Rich tradition in sculpture, painting, and music.
  • Cultural Influences:
    • Who influenced the Aztec?: Other Mesoamerican civilizations like the Toltec.
    • Who influenced the Spanish?: Moors and other European cultures.
  • Spanish Geography: Know significant cities, regions, and how geography influenced Spanish culture.
  • The Reconquista:
    • Purpose / Motivations: To reclaim land from Muslim rule.
    • Duration: Took nearly 800 years, culminating in 1492.
    • Tactics/Methods: Military campaigns, alliances with Christian kingdoms, and cultural assimilation.
    • Effects on Economy, Language, Culture: Establishment of a distinct Spanish identity.
  • Spanish Economy: Key industries and agricultural practices that supported the empire.
  • The Spanish Inquisition:
    • Reason/Purpose: To maintain Catholic orthodoxy while consolidating political power.
    • Organization/System: Structured stalking of heretics, trials, and punishments.
    • Key Players: Key figures including Ferdinand and Isabella.
  • Spanish Values:
    • Religious Tolerance: Often lacked for non-Catholics, leading to persecution.
    • Military Service: Emphasis on conquest and empire expansion.
    • Arts: Flourishing of many artistic forms, influenced significantly by the Renaissance.
  • Spanish Worldview: A mix of religious fervor, imperial ambition, and cultural superiority.
  • Hernan Cortes:
    • Timeline of Events: Key dates related to his expedition to Mexico.
    • Characteristics: Leadership style, charisma, and ruthlessness.
    • Motivations: Desire for wealth, glory, and spreading Christianity.
    • Military Strategies: Use of superior weaponry and alliances with local tribes.
  • Aztec vs. Spanish:
    • Similarities: Both cultures valued warfare, religion, and social hierarchy.
    • Differences: Distinct religious beliefs, governmental structures, and technology.
  • Impact of Conquest on the Aztec:
    • Disease: Introduction of smallpox and other diseases devastating the population.
    • Economy: Significant disruption due to loss of labor and tribute systems.
    • Culture: Changes in religious practices and social structures due to Spanish influence and assimilation.