Mod. 1.1Context. Pd. 1
1. Three causes of European Exploration
a. Value of Asian goods
b. Blocked overland trade routes (blocked by Italy and Portugal and also Muslims)
c. Desire of monarchs for wealth
Module 1.2: Native American Societies before European Contact
1. Intro: No Heading
a. This module is about thinking comparatively by taking into account similarities
and differences between subject such as different groups of indigenous peoples
b. An agricultural revolution that began around 10,000 BCE and flourished between
8,000-2,000 BCE which centered around Horticulture (pg. 6 farming small plots
of land with simple tools) and the Three Sisters (pg. 6 planting beans, maize, and
squash together) principles of farming allowed for the creation of a surplus of
food and growth of different indigenous societies
c. This surplus of crops allowed for year round sustenance as well as the beginning
of trade and economic activities which was expanded around 800 BCE due to the
invention of artificial irrigation.
2. The Maya, Aztecs, and Incas
3. What similarities do you see among the Aztec, Incan, and Mayan civilizations?
4. What differences do you note among these three people?
a. Mayans:Developed SE of modern day Mexico City, technologicallyadvanced,
knowledge of mathematics and astronomy, Complex religion, urban centers,
mineral wealth, and complex political systems (all three had these). Mayan
specific: Established large cities homes to artisans, developed complex irrigation,
built temples and palaces for semi-divine rulers, had hieroglyphic writing and
detailed calendar, declined around 800 BCE b/c of drought and taxation but
bounced back a bit and were trading with Aztecs by 16th
b. Aztecs: Settled in former Mayan territory early 14th,had stratified social system
with laborers and slaves on the bottom, with priests and noble warriors who
controlled large estates on the top. Priest guaranteed fertility for land and people
but demanded human sacrifice. Borrowed much from the people living there
including written language and farming techniques and expanded trade networks
that diversified goods and made slavery necessary.
c. Incas: Located along the Andes mountains were equallyas successful as Aztecs
by culturally borrowing from their predecessors. Were successful because of
advance terraced farming and rich mineral deposits. Also, had a complex system
of roads and large military controlling roughly 6 million people. Had decorative
items for trade and large palatial and temple complexes. Also practiced human
sacrifice.
d. Review questions answers
1. Three causes of European Exploration
a. Value of Asian goods
b. Blocked overland trade routes (blocked by Italy and Portugal and also Muslims)
c. Desire of monarchs for wealth
Module 1.2: Native American Societies before European Contact
1. Intro: No Heading
a. This module is about thinking comparatively by taking into account similarities
and differences between subject such as different groups of indigenous peoples
b. An agricultural revolution that began around 10,000 BCE and flourished between
8,000-2,000 BCE which centered around Horticulture (pg. 6 farming small plots
of land with simple tools) and the Three Sisters (pg. 6 planting beans, maize, and
squash together) principles of farming allowed for the creation of a surplus of
food and growth of different indigenous societies
c. This surplus of crops allowed for year round sustenance as well as the beginning
of trade and economic activities which was expanded around 800 BCE due to the
invention of artificial irrigation.
2. The Maya, Aztecs, and Incas
3. What similarities do you see among the Aztec, Incan, and Mayan civilizations?
4. What differences do you note among these three people?
a. Mayans:Developed SE of modern day Mexico City, technologicallyadvanced,
knowledge of mathematics and astronomy, Complex religion, urban centers,
mineral wealth, and complex political systems (all three had these). Mayan
specific: Established large cities homes to artisans, developed complex irrigation,
built temples and palaces for semi-divine rulers, had hieroglyphic writing and
detailed calendar, declined around 800 BCE b/c of drought and taxation but
bounced back a bit and were trading with Aztecs by 16th
b. Aztecs: Settled in former Mayan territory early 14th,had stratified social system
with laborers and slaves on the bottom, with priests and noble warriors who
controlled large estates on the top. Priest guaranteed fertility for land and people
but demanded human sacrifice. Borrowed much from the people living there
including written language and farming techniques and expanded trade networks
that diversified goods and made slavery necessary.
c. Incas: Located along the Andes mountains were equallyas successful as Aztecs
by culturally borrowing from their predecessors. Were successful because of
advance terraced farming and rich mineral deposits. Also, had a complex system
of roads and large military controlling roughly 6 million people. Had decorative
items for trade and large palatial and temple complexes. Also practiced human
sacrifice.
d. Review questions answers
