The Americas: 200 B.C. - 1519 A.D.
Unit 4: Essential Questions
1. Chapter 9: In what ways did the Olmec influence later Meso-american civilizations?
The Olmec civilization is sometimes called the mother culture because they influenced neighboring and later civilizations. They emerged by 1200 BC, but thrived for about 400 years from 800 – 400 BC. The area had many resources (clay, rubber, wood, etc.) which were used to build a thriving society and culture that would form the basis for the later Meso-american societies. The Olmec were very good at creating sculptures which tell us more about their spiritual beliefs. Make sure you look at examples of this on pp. 244 – 245.
You will find the information you need to answer this question on pp. 240 - 241.
The Olmec civilization is sometimes called the mother culture because they influenced neighboring and later civilizations. They emerged by 1200 BC, but thrived for about 400 years from 800 – 400 BC. The area had many resources (clay, rubber, wood, etc.) which were used to build a thriving society and culture that would form the basis for the later Meso-american societies. The Olmec were very good at creating sculptures which tell us more about their spiritual beliefs. Make sure you look at examples of this on pp. 244 – 245.
You will find the information you need to answer this question on pp. 240 - 241.
Chapter 9: Compare and contrast Olmec and Zapotec civilizations.
As you saw while answering the previous question, the Olmec civilization is sometimes called the mother culture because they influenced neighboring and later civilizations. Consider evidence that indicated an organized government system, religious practices, urban design (city planning) and active trading which boosted the economy.
You will find the information you need to answer this part of the question on pp. 240 - 241.
The Zapotac developed as the Olmec civilization began to decline. The development was possible because the climate and geography of the region were favorable for agriculture. As in the case of the Olmec, the Zapotec civilization left evidence of organized government, religious practices and urban design (city planning / architecture). Both civilizations left behind a powerful legacy for later civilizations; include a few of these in your answer.
The information you need to answer this part of the question can be found on pp. 242 - 243.
As you saw while answering the previous question, the Olmec civilization is sometimes called the mother culture because they influenced neighboring and later civilizations. Consider evidence that indicated an organized government system, religious practices, urban design (city planning) and active trading which boosted the economy.
You will find the information you need to answer this part of the question on pp. 240 - 241.
The Zapotac developed as the Olmec civilization began to decline. The development was possible because the climate and geography of the region were favorable for agriculture. As in the case of the Olmec, the Zapotec civilization left evidence of organized government, religious practices and urban design (city planning / architecture). Both civilizations left behind a powerful legacy for later civilizations; include a few of these in your answer.
The information you need to answer this part of the question can be found on pp. 242 - 243.
3. Chapter 9: How did the Nazca and Moche adapt to their environment in order to build flourishing societies?
4. Chapter 16: Discuss the cultures of the Maya, Aztecs, and Inca including social organization, spiritual beliefs, technology/advancements, and everyday life.
The best way to answer this question would be to start out with a grid and write some notes about each culture in each block, similar to the one provided here. Some of the squares have been completed to get you started! Use this information to write your essay.
5. Chapter 16: What were the causes of the fall of the Maya and Aztecs? Which cause do you think was the most important for each group and why?
You can find information to answer this question on the following pages in the textbook:
Maya Civilization: p. 449 / Aztecs: p. 458 / Inca: p. 463
HINT: Look for a chart describing the rise and fall of each civilization!
The best way to answer this question would be to start out with a grid and write some notes about each culture in each block, similar to the one provided here. Some of the squares have been completed to get you started! Use this information to write your essay.
5. Chapter 16: What were the causes of the fall of the Maya and Aztecs? Which cause do you think was the most important for each group and why?
You can find information to answer this question on the following pages in the textbook:
Maya Civilization: p. 449 / Aztecs: p. 458 / Inca: p. 463
HINT: Look for a chart describing the rise and fall of each civilization!