Download Aztec Spy Notes - World History Reiff 2

Aztec Spy Notes
Background
War, Tribute and Trade
Decline
Tenochtitlan
Tenochtitlan was the
Aztec empires power and wealth
More visible than in its capital. To build this amazing city the
Aztecs had to overcome their challenges.
Cortes Conquers the Aztecs
In the late 1400s Spanish
explores and soldiers arrived in
the Americans. The Soldiers or
conquistadors came to explore
new lands and search for gold.
War was a key factor in the Aztecs rise
to power. The fierce Aztec warriors
Conquered many towns. The Aztecs
sometimes teamed up or partnership to
Build their empire.
Causes of the Defeat of the Aztecs
Four factors were vital in
Spanish victory were alliances,
weapons and heroes, geography,
and disease.
Aztec Society
Kings and Nobles
Priests and Warriors
Just below the king and his nobles were priest and
The King was the most important person in Aztec
warriors. Priests in particular had a great influence
society. He lived in a great palace that had a zoo
over Aztecs’ lives.
and an aviary full of beautiful.
Merchants and Artisans
Farmers and Slaves
Not really members of upper class, merchants and
artisans fell just below priests and warriors in Aztec
society
Farmers and slaves were in the lower class of the
Aztec society. Some people could improve their
lives by becoming warriors in the army or studying
at special.
Aztec Religion
The Aztecs believed gods ruled
all parts of life. Their gods
powers could be seen in nature,
such as in trees or storms.
Scientific Achievements
The Aztecs valued learning and
art. Aztec scientific
achievement’s, artistic traditions,
and language contributed to their
culture.
Artistic Traditions
Both the architecture and the
sculpture made of stone.
Workers built bridges and it was
made out of stone.
Writing and Literature
Aztecs had a complex writing
system. Written historical
records in books made of
separate pages. Another name
for this type of ancient book is a
codex.
Inca Spy Notes
Rise of the Incas
When the Aztecs took over what is now Mexico, in
South America another empire arose. The empire
was owned by the Incas. The Incas built their
empire by taking over villages.
Economy
The Inca government also controlled the economy.
Instead of paying taxes, Incas had to work. The tax
system was called the Mita, the government told
each household what work to do.
Central Government and Language
Pachacuti became the Inca ruler in about 1438.
Under his rule the Inca Empire began a period of
great expansion. He also established an official Inca
religion.
Decline
Pizarro Conquers the Incas
A civil war began in the Inca Empire. After the
Inca ruler died, his two sons Atahualpa and
Huáscar fought to become the new ruler.
Spanish Control
The Spaniards killed Atahualpa. Some Incas fought
the Spaniards, but in 1537 the Spaniards defeated
the last of the Incas and gained control over the
entire region.
Daily life for the Upper Class
They lived in stone houses in Cuzco and wore the
best clothes. They didn’t have to pay the labor tax,
and they often had servants.
Daily Life for the Lower Class
Most Incas were farmers, artisans, or servants.
There were no slaves in Inca society. Lower-class
men and women farmed on government lands,
served in the army, worked in mines, and built
roads.
Religion
Building
Art
Oral Literature
Final Conclusions: Which Empire do you think was the strongest and most impressive? Justify your answer.