AMERICAS

The Americas:

Pre-Columbian Civilizations and European Encounter

• Aztec Empire's Architectural Marvels:

  • Tenochtitlán's Engineering: The Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan, built on an island in Lake Texcoco had networks of canals and causeways, floating gardens, grand temples and a massive population.

  • Templo Mayor: At the heart of Tenochtitlán stood the Templo Mayor, a massive double pyramid dedicated to the gods of rain and war.

• Moctezuma II's Reign:

  • Expansion and Power: Under Moctezuma II’s divine rule, the Aztec Empire reaches its peak as it controls vast territories through a complex tribute system.

  • Fateful Encounter: Moctezuma's initially treats the Conquistador Hernan Cortes as a potential god, contributing to Aztec downfall.

• Maya Civilization's Scientific Achievements:

• Astronomy and Mathematics: The Maya excel in sciences, creating an intricate calendar systems, reflecting their deep understanding of celestial cycles and time.

Economic Foundations:

Indigenous Trade and Tribute

• Empires of Exchange: Notable for their extensive trade network, the Aztecs and Maya impressed the Spanish with the variety and scale of goods at market. 

• Aztec Tribute Mastery: After subjugating city-states, the Aztecs demanded an elaborate tribute, including hundreds of costumes and precious metals from the conquered peoples. 

• Maya Resource Management: The Maya's network of city-states, each contributing to the larger economy, was evident in elaborate trade goods from distant lands in local markets.

• Autonomy in Trade: The indigenous continued to use  traditional barter systems even under Spanish rule. 

• Subversion through Tribute: The Inca, while outwardly giving the Spanish tribute, would secretly gather and redistribute resources in the traditional Inca manner. 

  • They managed to maintain a parallel economy.

Imperial Ambitions:

Aztec and Spanish Strategies

• Aztec Empire's Approach:

  • Strategic Expansion: The Aztec Empire's expansion was marked by military might nd shrewd alliances, such as the Triple Alliances, formed with Texcoco and Tlacopan.

  • Their tribute system demanded goods and labor from conquered territories.

  • Cultural Imposition: The Aztecs integrated their culture and religion into conquered areas, often symbolized by constructing massive pyramids and temples.

• Spanish Colonial Tactics:

  • Cortés' Maneuvers: Hernán Cortés skillfully exploited rivalries within Aztec Empire, allying with the Tlaxcalans, traditional enemies of the Aztecs.

  • Administrative Control: The Spanish established control through systems like encomienda. 

• Legacy of Empires:

  • Global Impact of Spanish Conquest: The Spanish conquest shaped global trade with the influx of American silver into Europe and Asia, marking a new global era.

Economic Shifts:

Indigenous Labor and Resources

• Transformation Under Spanish Rule:

  • Encomienda and Repartimiento Systems: These used harsh conditions to enslave the indigenous.

  • Resource Exploitation: Aggressive resource exploitation lead to environmental and health problems.

• Indigenous Response and Adaptation:

  • Resilience in Labor: Indigenous communities developed coping mechanisms, such as slowing work and maintaining communal work traditions where possible.

  • Sustainable Practices Overturned: Pre-conquest societies had sustainable resource management, disrupted by a focus on extraction and exportation.

• Impact on Emerging Economies:

  • Foundation for Capitalism: The exploitation of labor and resources in the Americas played a crucial role in the development of global capitalist economies. 

  • The wealth extracted from the Americas financed European empires and fueled global trade networks.

  • Long-Term Economic Effects: Forced integration of the indigenous led to a dependency on European goods.