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State Building In The Americas 1.4

Mesoamerica Overview

  • Historical Context:

    • The Maya civilization (c. 2000 BCE - 1500 CE) was significant prior to the 1450 coverage, renowned for sophisticated urban centers, a highly developed writing system, and advanced mathematics, including the concept of zero.

  • Structure:

    • The Maya’s political structure was decentralized and comprised city-states that frequently engaged in warfare.

    • The aim of warfare was to establish tributary states rather than simply gaining territory. These states retained independence but owed tribute to the Maya, including textiles and military resources.

    • A distinct feature of Maya culture was human sacrifice, believed essential in maintaining the sun deity’s energy.

The Aztec Empire (1345-1528)

  • Origins:

    • The Mexica, a semi-nomadic group, migrated south and built military strength in the early 14th century, later forming alliances to establish the Aztec Empire around 1428.

  • Political Structure:

    • The Aztec Empire was decentralized, with conquered peoples becoming tributary states, providing regular payments of food, military, and building materials.

    • Human sacrifice remained a critical factor for expansion, motivated by religious beliefs regarding the sun god.

  • Cultural Legitimacy:

    • The Mexica claimed descent from revered older Mesoamerican peoples to legitimize their rule.

  • Architecture and Economy:

    • The capital, Tenochtitlan, was a significant city with marketplaces and pyramidal temples, showcasing a degree of economic commercialization similar to contemporary empires like Song China.

    • Architectural achievements included monumental pyramids, reinforcing their power and cultural identity.

The Inca Empire (c. 1438-1533)

  • Development:

    • The Inca capitalized on earlier civilizations like the Wari and formed their empire through military prowess and expansion of power.

  • Power Structure:

    • Unlike the Aztecs, the Inca created a centralized bureaucracy to rule their vast empire, employing the Maita system, which required labor from conquered peoples for state projects instead of tribute.

  • Innovations:

    • The Inca expanded road networks and infrastructure, building on systems from previous civilizations, maintaining a religion-based political structure.

North American Civilizations

  • Mississippian Culture (c. 800 CE - 1600 CE):

    • Emerged in the Mississippi River Valley, utilizing fertile soil to thrive through agriculture.

    • Society featured powerful chiefs called "Great Sun" who governed towns and smaller settlements, indicating a hierarchical structure.

    • Notable for extensive mound-building, serving as burial sites and venues for ceremonies, with Cahokia as the largest urban center.

  • Chaco and Mesa Verde Societies:

    • Located in the Southwest U.S., these societies developed innovative water transport and storage solutions due to arid conditions.

    • The Chacoans carved sandstone blocks and imported timber to construct massive buildings, while Mesa Verde peoples built dwellings into cliffs using sandstone.

Summary

  • Continuity and Innovation:

    • The states from December to 1450 demonstrated both continuities with earlier Mesoamerican cultures like the Maya and innovations in political structure, economic practices, and architectural achievements across different regions.