Spanish Empire

1. What were similarities and differences between the Eurasian world and the Americas in 1500?

An important similarity between the Eurasian world and the Americas was how similar populations were. This shows that the Americas were not as underdeveloped as led to believe by some Europeans and it also shows the impact that diseases would later have on American civilizations. A difference between Eurasia and America is the agriculture developed. In the Americas, crops like corn potatoes, and cassava were grown while in Europe, they worked on the domestication of animals. 

2. Describe Mayan accomplishments in writing, math, and astronomy. 

The writing system of Maya society had 800 hieroglyphics that represented different syllables. They used a base 20 number system that included the number “0”. This was a concept that was not yet understood by Europeans until centuries later. Because they prioritized math and astronomy in their religious beliefs, they created a more precise calendar. 

3. Describe Aztec farming innovations.

The Aztecs utilized swampy islands called chinampas in their farming. They would surround their capital, Tenochtitlan, with these chinampas in order to control the soil fertility and watering. These chinampas could feed 6 people per one compared to the most advanced Chinese farming technique known in Eurasia which could only feed 1 person per acre. 

4. Why did the Spanish monarchy fund Columbus’s voyage and colonize the Western Hemisphere? 

One of the main reasons why the Spanish monarchy supported Columbus' trip to the Americas was because it started off as a way to find an overseas route to Asia. Since Portugal already found a route, Spain probably didn’t want to fall behind in trading routes. Overland travel also cost too much and became dangerous. 

5. How did domesticable animals shape the encounter between Europeans and Americans? 

They were able to trade American crops with European animals. The horses brought over by the Europeans gave them an advantage while having initial contact with the native Americans. Since the natives had never seen anything like that before, they had a disadvantage while fighting the Europeans. 

6. What was the Columbian Exchange?

The Columbian Exchange is the exchange of plants and animals between Europeans and Americans. This encounter shaped the modern world that is known today. Domesticated animals provided protein for the native americans which allowed them to expand their populations. Native crops allowed for new European cities to survive and expand. 

7. What is a virgin soil epidemic? Describe the depopulation of the Americas.

A virgin soil epidemic is when a disease is introduced to a new area without previous inherited immunity. The diseases brought from domesticated animals into the Americas killed 90% of natives. As an example, the Aztecs started with 25 million people to 6 million in 20 years. It finally ended at 2 million people which is 1 person out of every 10 people surviving. 

8. What myths or errors have been amplified by older accounts of the Spanishof Spanish Empire?

It is thought that the Spanish people were superior and more developed than native Americans. This is because when the Spanish first arrived, the natives were not at a unified point together but were more separated. There was internal conflict when Cortes first arrived in Aztec territory since many resented Aztec rulers. The Inca empire started feeling the effects of diseases before meeting Spanish conquerors which caused chaos. Spanish accounts documented what they saw which twisted the documentation of the actual accomplishments and progress made by natives.