State Building in the Americas from 1200 to 1450

The video explores state-building in the Americas from 1200 to 1450, focusing on the Maya, Aztec, and Inca civilizations, as well as North American cultures like the Mississippian, Chaco, and Mesa Verde. It highlights the political structures, economic systems, and cultural practices, including the use of tributary states, human sacrifice, and labor systems.

What was a key feature of the Maya civilization's political structure?

• Centralized monarchy

• Decentralized city-states

• Feudal system

• Democratic republic

Which civilization's political structure was characterized by a decentralized collection of city-states?

• Inca

• Aztec

• Maya

• Mississippian

What was the primary motivation behind the Aztec's wars of expansion?

• Diplomatic influence

• Economic gain

• Territorial expansion

• Religious reasons

What was the capital city of the Aztec Empire known for?

• Its isolation from trade routes

• Its small population

• Its lack of marketplaces

• Its elaborate palaces and pyramid temples

How did the Inca Empire ensure the implementation of the ruler's will across its vast territory?

• Decentralized governance

• Tributary system

• Feudal lords

• Massive bureaucracy

What system did the Inca use to require labor from conquered peoples?

• Caste system

• Tribute system

• Feudal system

• Mida system

What was the Mississippian culture most known for?

• Metalwork

• Stone carving

• Mound building

• Pyramid building

What was the primary economic activity of the Mississippian culture?

• Fishing

• Hunting and gathering

• Trade

• Agriculture

How did the Chaco people adapt to the dry environment of the southwest United States?

• By developing advanced metallurgy

• By building irrigation canals

• By domesticating drought-resistant crops

• By importing timber for construction

What was a significant architectural achievement of the Mesa Verde people?

• Building large stone pyramids

• Constructing cliff-side housing complexes

• Developing underground cities

• Creating floating gardens