Comprehensive Review: The Global Tapestry (1200–1450) — The Americas, Africa, and Europe

Period of rise and consolidation of empires in the Americas

1200–1450

Mississippian Culture

North American culture centered in the Mississippi River Valley known for complex trade networks and cities like Cahokia.

Cahokia

The largest mound-building city in North America, acting as a major trading hub.

Matrilineal Society

A society where social standing is determined by the woman's side of the family.

Chinampas

Artificial floating islands used by the Aztecs for agriculture, enhancing farming efficiency.

Tribute System

The system where conquered peoples provided goods and resources to the Aztec Empire.

Theocracy

A political system where the emperor acts as a divine representative of the gods, as seen in the Aztec Empire.

Mit'a System

Incan mandatory public service where men provided labor in exchange for resources.

Quipu

A knotted string system used by the Incas for record-keeping without written language.

Carpa Nan

A vast network of roads (25,000 miles) constructed by the Incas for military and communication purposes.

Feudalism

A European political system where land is exchanged for loyalty and service among classes.

Manorialism

An economic system associated with feudalism, where manors were self-sufficient estates.

Serfdom

A labor system where peasants were bound to the land and required permission to leave.

Estates-General

A legislative assembly in France that represented the nobility and clergy.

Magna Carta

A document signed in 1215 limiting the powers of the English king and protecting noble rights.

The Hundred Years' War

A conflict between England and France from 1337 to 1453 that helped shape national identities.

Griots/Griottes

Oral storytellers in Africa who preserved history and lineage through storytelling.

Great Zimbabwe

A powerful kingdom in Southeast Africa known for its impressive stone architecture and wealth from trade.

Ethiopia (Axum)

An ancient kingdom in Africa known for its unique blend of Christianity and traditional faiths.

The Little Ice Age

A climatic period beginning around 1300 that reduced agricultural output in Europe.

Renaissance

A cultural revival of interest in classical art and literature that began in Italy by the end of the period.

Trans-Saharan Trade

An extensive trade network across the Sahara that connected West African kingdoms to other regions.

Kin-Based Networks

Familial groups governing themselves in sub-Saharan Africa before the rise of larger centralized powers.

Political Centralization in the Americas

Significant centralization in empires like the Aztecs and Incas compared to decentralized systems in Europe.

Agricultural Techniques of the Incas

Innovative practices like Waru Waru to improve farming and cope with climate challenges.

Comparison of Labor Systems

Differentiates between the Inca Mit'a system and European feudal serfdom.