Crash Course: The Spanish Empire, silver, and inflation

What is the main focus of this Crash Course episode?

• The global influence of Spain over several centuries

• The Industrial Revolution

• The Rise of the Roman Empire

• The History of the United States

What civilization is considered the greatest polity in Mesoamerica before the arrival of the Spanish?

• The Aztecs

• The Olmecs

• The Incas

• The Mayans

What was the primary role of Aztec priests?

• To appease the gods and prevent disasters

• To govern the cities

• To manage trade

• To lead the army

What was the capital city of the Aztec Empire?

• Teotihuacan

• Machu Picchu

• Cuzco

• Tenochtitlan

What system did the Inca use to integrate people into their empire?

• Tributary system

• Mita

• Caste System

• Feudalism

What was a significant factor that helped the Spanish conquer the Inca and Aztec empires?

• Advanced weaponry

• Total chaos due to disease

• Better navigation skills

• Superior numbers

What was the main reason the Spanish used indigenous labor in South American Mines?

• Indigenous people were more skilled

• Indigenous people volunteered for the work

• It was cheaper than purchasing African slaves

• They wanted to preserve African slaves for other work

What was the primary cause of inflation in Spain during the 16th century?

• War expenses

• High taxation

• Discovery of a mountain of silver

• Overproduction of goods

Why did China switch from paper moneyh to silver coins in the 16th century?

• They wanted to trade more with Japan

• They ran out of copper and bronze

• Paper money was too expensive to produce

• Silver was more abundant

What was one of the major consequences of the global silver trade?

• Environmental degradation

• Rise of new empires in Europe

• Strengthening of the Spanish and Chinese governments

• Decrease in global trade