State Building in the Americas (1200-1450 CE)

This section examines the development of state systems in the Americas between 1200-1450 CE, focusing on governance structures and how states expanded and changed over time.

The major state systems that emerged in the Americas during this period included:

• Maya city-states • Mexica (Aztec) Empire
• Inca Empire • Chaco civilization • Mesa Verde culture • Cahokia (Mississippian culture)

These states demonstrated both continuity with earlier systems as well as innovations in governance, administration, and expansion strategies.

Highlight: The Maya, Mexica, and Inca developed the most complex and far-reaching state systems in the Americas during this time period.

The Maya civilization was organized into city-states, each ruled by a king. Maya states rarely fought to control territory, but instead waged war to gain tribute and captives for religious sacrifices.

Vocabulary: City-state - An independent state consisting of a city and its surrounding territory.

The Mexica (also known as the Aztecs) established their capital at Tenochtitlan (modern-day Mexico City). They built an empire through conquest and a tribute system, requiring subjugated peoples to pay tribute, surrender land, and perform military service.

Example: The Mexica built a network of aqueducts and created floating gardens called chinampas to increase agricultural production in their capital.

The Inca Empire arose in the Andes mountains of South America. It was ruled by a powerful king and expanded through conquest. The Inca used the mit'a system of labor tribute to build massive infrastructure projects.

Definition: Mit'a system - A labor tribute system used by the Inca Empire where citizens were required to work for the state for a set period each year.

Other notable state systems in North America included:

• Chaco culture, known for building large multi-room housing structures • Mesa Verde culture, which constructed multi-story cliff dwellings • Cahokia, part of the Mississippian culture, famous for its enormous earthen mounds

Quote: "In the Americas, as in Afro-Eurasia, state systems demonstrated continuity, innovation, and diversity, and expanded in scope and reach."

Developments in Europe (1200-1450 CE)

This section focuses on cultural developments in Europe, particularly the influence of religion on European society during the period of 1200-1450 CE.

The predominant religions in Europe during this time were:

• Christianity (Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy) • Judaism • Islam (in parts of Iberia and Eastern Europe)

These religions, especially Christianity, played a crucial role in shaping European society, politics, and culture.

Highlight: The Roman Catholic Church was the most powerful institution in medieval Europe, providing people with a shared identity even as different languages and regional cultures emerged.

The Roman Catholic Church experienced a major division known as the Great Schism, which split the church into two branches. Despite this division, the Church remained incredibly influential throughout Europe.

Definition: Great Schism - A split within the Roman Catholic Church that resulted in rival popes claiming authority over the Church.

The core beliefs and practices of Christianity continued to shape European societies in various ways:

• Providing a common moral and ethical framework • Influencing law and governance • Shaping education and intellectual life • Inspiring art, architecture, and literature • Organizing social hierarchies and institutions

Example: Monasteries and cathedral schools, run by the Church, were the primary centers of learning in medieval Europe.

Judaism, while a minority religion in most of Europe, played an important role in intellectual and economic life, particularly in urban areas. However, Jews often faced persecution and restrictions.

Islam, though not dominant in most of Europe, had a significant presence in Iberia (modern-day Spain and Portugal) until the late 15th century, as well as in parts of Eastern Europe and the Balkans. Islamic culture and scholarship influenced European intellectual life, particularly in areas such as mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy.

Quote: "Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and the core beliefs and practices of these religions continued to shape societies in Europe."

The interaction between these religious traditions, particularly in areas of cultural contact like Iberia and the Mediterranean, contributed to intellectual and cultural developments in Europe during this period.