Ch. 20 Atlantic World Lesson 2 (Burdon Unit 2)

1. Aztec and Inca
Empires
SPANISH CONQUEST

2. Opening Activity (5 Minutes)
How can leadership (ex: ruler,
emperor, etc.) affect a civilization?
Create a T-Chart with “Positives” on
the left side and “Negatives” on the
right side.

3. Essential Question and Learning
Goals
 Essential Question: How has the Age of
Exploration influenced our modern era?
 Learning Goals:
1. Describe the class structure of the Aztecs
2. Describe the governmental structure of the
Inca
3. Explain the downfall of Aztec and Inca
rulers

4. Aztec Empire
 “The Aztec Empire Summary” (~5 minutes)
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xN2Bk6zOJms
 Questions to keep in mind when watching video:
 1. What was the major city of the empire?
 2. Why was water so important to this civilization?
 3. What role did sacrificing individuals play in this
civilization?

5. Aztec Empire
 Quick facts:
 Valley of Mexico-- Tenochtitlan (Modern day Mexico City)--
CAPITAL
 Chinampas
 “Agricultural islands used in the Valley of Mexico”
 Population: 5-15 million
 80,000 square mile empire
 Great military power
 Conquest
 Local rulers govern own area

6. Three Class Society
 Nobles:
 EMPEROR
 Military leaders
 Priests
 Government officials (rulers)
 Commoners:
 Merchants
 Soldiers
 Farmers
 Enslaved Individuals:
 Captives of war

7. Aztec Religion
 Massive public rituals (ceremonies)
 Priests made offerings to gods:
Blood offerings
Human sacrifice
Great Temple
Thousands sacrificed every year
 Huitzilopochtli: Sun God (MOST IMPORTANT
GOD)

8. Formative Assessment (5 Minutes)
What role did tributes (offerings) play
in the Aztec society?
What types of tributes did these
individuals make?

9. Montezuma’s Influence (Aztec)
 Most famous of the Aztec leaders
 Becomes emperor  Empire weakens
 Greater demand of:
Tribute
Sacrifice
 Increased oppression:
Rebellion/Uprising
Unity begins to fade

10. Inca Empire
Quick Facts:
South America:
Ecuador  Chile
Largest empire of Americas
Valley of Cuzco (beginnings)
Pachacuti  Influential ruler

11. Inca Empire
 “Inca Civilization” video clip (~4 minutes)
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3F7G0VeqAeY
 Questions to keep in mind when watching video:
 1. What is their best preserved city?
 2. What did they construct to easily navigate across
the vast empire?
 3. What did this group create to access water in more
locations?
 4. What was the Inca’s most important resource?

12. Incan Operations
 Powerful military
 Diplomats
 Surrender  Keep customs
 Gain loyalty of empire
 Cuzco (CAPITAL)
 Temples
 Plazas
 Palaces

13. Inca Government
 GOVERNMENT CONTROLLED EVERYTHING
 Ayllu  Massive projects
Irrigation systems, terracing farms, food
storage
 Mita  Labor system
ALL able-bodied citizens
Farming, producing goods, road work

14. Inca Religion
 Nature Spirits
 Moon
 Stars
 Thunder
 Most important gods:
 Viracocha (Creator)
 Inti (Sun)
 Sacrifice and exchange of goods to pay tribute

15. Atahualpa’s Influence
 Empire split after death of Huayna Capac
Atahualpa and Huascar (sons)
 Atahualpa tries to claim entire empire
 Civil war ensues
 Atahualpa wins  Empire torn apart
 Unity in Incan empire fades away

16. Summative Assessment (5-7
Minutes)
 What actions did the leaders of the Aztec
(Montezuma) and Inca (Atahualpa) take
that led to the downfall of their empires?
(5-7 sentences)