Think of the Americas as "an island" when compared to the interconnectedness of the Eastern Hemisphere at this time. The Global Tapestry unit has a huge gap in it that disconnects the Americas from the globe. By 1200, a big chunk of of Afro-Eurasia is all connected in some fashion. The Americas prior to 1492 and before contact with Polynesians are on their own. The addition of Americas to the global trade will be a HUGE topic of discussion by Unit 5! For now, the focus is BEFORE the Spanish arrived with their religion, disease and guns!

Explain how and why states in the Americas developed and changed over time. (YOU NEED TO BE ABLE TO COMPARE THESE!)

• In the Americas state systems demonstrated continuity, innovation and diversity and expanded in scope and reach.

  • State systems in the Americas to know:

    • Maya city-states

    • Mexica

    • Inca

    • Chaco

    • Mesa Verde

    • Cahokia