State Building in America

Unit 1.4: State Building in America

Mesoamerican Civilizations

  • Overview: The period saw significant developments in Mesoamerican civilizations, notably the Mayans and Aztecs.

  • Mayans (250-900 CE):

    • The Mayans established decentralized city-states.

    • These city-states often engaged in warfare with each other.

    • Human sacrifice was a religious practice meant to appease and gain favor from deities.

    • It is important to note the continuity and innovation this civilization exhibited, especially in respect to previous states like the Olmecs.

  • Aztec Empire (c. 1300-1528 CE):

    • The Aztecs rose to power in central Mexico.

    • They expanded quickly through religious motivations and by claiming legitimacy from older, more renowned Mesoamerican cultures.

    • Their construction included significant urban centers, marketplaces, palaces, and pyramids.

Andean Civilizations

  • Inca Civilization:

    • The Inca Empire rose in the Andean region, utilizing systems established by earlier civilizations.

    • Centralized political structure focused around religious centers, which played a crucial role in governance.

    • Expansion was facilitated by an extensive network of roads and bridges across the rugged mountain terrain.

  • Collapse of Andean Empires:

    • The Wari Empire collapsed around 1000 CE, which predated the rise of the Inca.

North American Civilizations

  • Mississippian Culture (8th-9th centuries CE):

    • The Mississippian Culture emerged in the fertile soil of the Mississippi River Valley.

    • Society was fundamentally agricultural and structured around hierarchical leadership, dominated by a chief often referred to as the "Great Sun."

    • Power was extended over smaller communities, creating a complex societal structure.

    • Mound-building was a significant cultural aspect, with each civilization typically surrounded by mounds, which were significant for religious ceremonies.

    • Cahokia emerged as the largest urban center, with the most significant mound known as Monk's Mound.

    • Other notable locations include Chaco Canyon and Mesa Verde in the southwest, showcasing innovative ways to manage water resources, often using sandstone materials for construction.