Ap World History Chapter 16 - Stearns Textbook

The Americas on the Eve of Invasion I. Introduction a. By 1500, Americas densely populated by Indians – misnomer – Columbus/Indies i. Term has meaning only when used to apply to non-Indians b. Mesoamerica and Andean heartland ii. Imperial states in place when Europe arrives iii. Few areas influenced by two main centers iv. Areas that developed independently II. Postclassic Mesoamerica c. Introduction v. Toltecs/Aztecs replace Mayas of 8th century CE 1. By 15th century Aztecs created extensive empire – war, religion, agrarian vi. Downfall of Mayans – Teotihuacan 2. Nomads from North come down 3. Toltec Culture – 968 established capital Tula a. Sedentary/agrarian peoples with militaristic ethic b. Cult of sacrifice/war c. Aztecs saw Toltecs as givers of civilization d. The Toltec Heritage vii. Leader Topilitzin followed Quetzalcoatl – feathered serpent viii. Empire spread over much of central Mexico ix. 1000 Conquered Chichen Itza – Mayans under control of Toltecs x. Toltec influence northward 4. Trade turquoise with American Southwest 5. How far – to Mississippi/Ohio – debatable evidence d. Stepped temples – Monk’s Mound e. Ritual sacrifice f. pottery g. Social stratification h. Large city – Cahokia could handle 30,000 people e. The Aztec Rise to Power – eagle with serpent on cactus – Toltec lasted till 1150 xi. Geography – aquatic environment – chinampas 6. Aztecs/Mexicas won control of lake – AZTLAN(Aztec name derived) 7. Nomadic tribes or agricultural culture—migrared to the shores of Lake Texcoco (1235) xii. Political structure – centralized city with tributary city-states(like medieval