Unit 2 Week 3 Vocab

Mita

Basic Definition A labor tax system devised by the Inca government, and instituted around 1438 in which the people worked for the government for a certain period of time every year. This work would be whatever the government needed. (building roads, tambos, temples, bridges, etc...) The government took care of the family whose male members were absent while doing Mita. Significance This system of Mita was similar to Corvee Labor in Egypt and China that was used for massive governmental building projects like the Great Wall, the Grand Canal, or the pyramids Since this system was already in place in Peru when the Spanish arrive they keep it in place in order to get cheap (free) labor from the natives in the silver and mercury mines that the exploit for wealth. (Spanish Mita system) (it is a form of coerced labor that borders on slavery)

Chinampas

Basic Definition Chinampas, also known as floating gardens, were a type of agriculture used in Mesoamerica in Tenochtitlan (the valley of Mexico). They were small rectangular pieces of land that floated in shallow water. This type of Agriculture was used by the Aztecs. Chinampas were used as early as 1100 AD. The chinampas worked because the lakes provided moisture and decomposing nutrients that fertilized the crops on the Chinampas. Crops grown were maize and squash. Significance This improved the economics by providing food all year long. Chinampas helped feed the very large population which helped the Aztec population grow. The chinampas enabled the Aztecs to increase their food supply as well. These techniques can be compared to the way the early river valley civilizations irrigated their crops using various different techniques.

Split Inheritance

Basic Definition During the Inca Empire, which was founded in 1438 AD, split inheritance was used for succession between rulers. When a ruler died, his political power and titles transferred, but the new ruler had to accumulate his own wealth and even build his own palace. The possessions of the dead ruler would remain in his possession under the responsibility of a son who did not get his title and be used in the worship of his spirit. Significance The fact that each new ruler had to get his own wealth, and build his own palace required each ruler to keep conquering more land, in order to get more money and land to build his own palace. This accumulation of new wealth every time a ruler changed made them a prime target for the Spanish conquistadors, who wanted their wealth. Compare to ATG who split his empire amongst his generals or to Charlemagne who split his empire amongst his grandsons with the treaty of Verdun or even Yaraslav the "not" so wise who did the same. This almost always spells disaster for the future of an empire. It stands in contrast to the typical practice of primogeniture that was used in most civilizations.

Investiture

Basic Definition Practice of state appointment of bishops. From 1073-1085 Pope Gregory VII argued with the Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV for his right to appoint church officials. This lead to a war between Pope Gregory VII and King Henry IV which was called the Concordat of Worms. Gregory eventually won his point and Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV begged for forgiveness on his knees in the snow. The Church had been corrupted by politically appointed clergy who were first loyal to the kings of Europe instead of the Popes. Significance This event is significant because it gave the pope more political power over the kings and it also gave the papacy more power to control church officials. This lead to a struggle between Gregory VII and Henry IV which was called the Concordat of Worms. (which essentially gave king's veto power but not the power to appoint church officials) It is symbolic of the constant struggle for political power in the chaotic Middle ages and it shows how the popes were dependent on the kings and the kings were dependent on the popes to legitimize each others power in Christendom.

Tambos

Basic Definition Tambos were inns, storehouses, and supply centers for the Inca armies and messengers along the VAST ROAD SYSTEM that united their empire. The Inca empire was established in 1438. Tambos were located near or along many of the roads the Incas built for conquering people. Tambos were also places for messengers to relay their messages. The Inca civilization had over 10,000 tambos throughout their road systems. Significance 2 things here.. 1st is that the Andes Mountains of Peru are a pretty difficult terrain to create an empire in and the Inca Ruler needed a way to connect and control this vast region. These Tambos along the "roads" (trails) were a way to get messages and troops transmitted quickly to maintain control. 2nd is that they can easily be compared to the Persians and the Royal road that connected that vast empire in much the same way as well as to the Romans who built roads to connect their vast empire.

3 estates

Basic Definition This was a system of dividing French citizens of society into different groups and was popular before the French Revolution (1789). 1st estate is the Clergy who ran the Church. The 2nd estate is the Nobility who are the landowning aristocracy that doesn't have to pay taxes. The 3rd estate were the commoners/peasants who made up most of the population. The king was above all the estates. Significance This system of dividing society is a carryover from the feudal system that is going to have be dealt with in the rapidly change times after the Dark Ages had ended. With an emerging middle class in France it seem inevitable that you would see the 3rd estate rise up and challenge for more power that used to lie in the hands of the first 2 estates. It will be the cause of the eventual French Revolution.

Waru waru

Basic Definition Waru Waru was an agricultural technique that used raised beds with irrigation channels to prevent soil from being washed away during floods. It was used by pre-Columbian South America, (Inca) from Colombia to Bolivia about 300 B.C. It was used because of the massive down pours that often occurred in the region. It was needed to produce enough food for a growing Inca population. Significance Waru Waru were similar to the chinampas used by the Aztecs for farming. Island farming if you will. This is a great ex. Of #1 WHAP Theme as it shows a way people adapt farming to the terrain they are in. The Inca also used step terrace for farming in mountainous terrain of the Andes. Much like the Egyptians used the Shaduf and the Maya used slash and burn techniques to farm in the Yucatan Peninsula. The use of Waru Waru was revived in Bolivia, Puno, and Peru and continues to be used today.

Manorialism

Basic Definition: A system that described economic and political relationships between landlords and their peasant laborers during the middle ages in Western Europe from the ( 8th century ) on through the next several hundred years. This economic system in Europe was a result of the dangerous and feudal society that people lived in with threat of invasion that disrupted trade during the dark ages. Significance When stable centralized governments break down (which is what happened with the Fall of Rome) people tend to look to a self sufficient economic system in order to survive. The is exactly what the Manorial system was. A system where localities could provide for all of their own needs without depending on trade from the outside. This type of economic system is found in Feudalism which is a political system that goes hand in hand with this economic system. It can be found in other places as well like in Feudal Japan and the Warring states era in China.

Moldboard

Basic Definition: Heavy plow with a curved metal blade introduced in northern Europe during the Middle Ages; capable of deeper cultivation of heavier soils. It was used in the manors of feudal Europe as a way to effectively deal with the difficult soil found in the north and as a way to create more arable land in order to increase the food supply for a growing population in the later middle ages. Significance: An effect of the this plow is that Europeans in the Feudal period were able to create food surpluses that allowed them to eventually break the Feudal dependence on the Manor system and begin to return to a trading society as the populations rise and job specialization increases. When combined with the 3 field system you begin to see the rise of Europe out of the DARK AGES and the rise in populations accompanied by more centralized governments and an expansionist spirit.

Vassals

Basic Definition: Members of the military elite who received land or a benefice from a feudal lord in return for military service and loyalty from the 6th century onward in Western Europe. Greater lords provided protection and aid to lesser lords, who in turn owed their lords military service, some goods or payments, and advice. Significance: After Rome's fall there was no central government and no security in Europe. People turned by default to feudalism. They are the key ingredient in this system as they were the connecting piece that held it together. (Land to these people in exchange for the King having their loyalty and access to their Knights if needed to protect against invasion) These people are going to begin to lose power in Europe as the Dark ages end. They are going to loose power to the increasing power of a Central monarch which is going to give rise to the Absolute monarch and the divine right of Kings. (this can also b

Scholasticism

Basic Definition: Starting after the 13th century, this belief was the dominant medieval philosophical approach (Christian thinkers) used logic to solve theological problems and this approach was taught at schools and universities in medieval Europe. It helped Support Christian belief with the reason and logic of the Greek philosophers by spreading its learning ideas. It was a blending of Greek and Roman thought with the Christian World view. Usually associated with thinkers like Thomas Aquinas. Significance: To start with let me say this.... This is the combination of natural thought on to things that can not always be considered natural.. Ie.. the Resurrection of Christ is not logical nor is the idea of the trinity or walking on water etc... The "West" has a tradition from Greece and Roman of being philosophical and now has a tradition of Christianity. This belief is bring those two schools of thought together. An effect of this is a reemergence of schools and the creation of universities that are study different branches of knowledge but are tied together with Theology. (think about it like putting Jesus and Aristotle in a room and seeing what you get)

Serfs

Basic Definition: These people are agricultural workers in Western Europe during the Middle ages (476-1453) under the Feudal System. They work for Lords under the feudal system. They owned no land and they could not leave the manor without their Lord's permission. There was essentially a contract between lords and them in the manorial system. They provided labor and food in exchange the lord would provide protection and a share of the food produced on the manor. Significance: These people in the feudal manor in Western Europe can be compared to essentially the exact same way the Russian used serfs as a form of labor in the late middle to early modern era in Eastern Europe. There were some similarities to chattel slavery in the new world in the modern era with GREAT exceptions. They had virtually no chance of improving their social status in the Feudal world much like slaves in the new world had no chance at the same thing. They were both bound to the land and lord.

Guilds

Basic Definition: They flourished in Western Europe between the 11th and 16th centuries, were groups of people who were in the same business and trade in the same city. There were two types :merchant and artisan. Merchant guilds were made up of the merchants in a city and artisan guilds were made up of the artisans and craftsmen of the city. The appearance and growth of towns after the Dark Ages aided in the development of guilds. Significance: The cause of these trade guilds results from the growth of cities as Europe is being invaded less and food production has gone up so cities and trade begin to grow as well as a middle class of people who used to be serfs are now setting out on their own. It symbolizes a growing middle class that is going to challenge the Feudal political structure and begin to assert themselves as a power to be reckoned with in Europe. Also they can be compared in some ways to modern unions that are going to result from the Industrial Revolution.

3 Field System

Basic Definition: This system was developed in Western Europe in the 9th century. The farmland was divided into 3 equal fields. 2 fields were planted with a winter crop like wheat or rye a spring crop like peas, lentils or beans and 1 field was used as a grazing field for animals ie.... They crapped in the field which fertilized it as it lay fallow for a season. This increased the production of the fields and kept the yield of food high. Significance: Along with the upgrade from the two field system and having two harvests a year it also reduced crop failure and famine. With more food meant more population, more population meant more division of labor, which meant innovation and the demise of the manor system, which meant the end to the Feudal system and the rise of centralized monarchies and the beginning of nation states, which meant an end to the Dark Ages and the beginning of an expanding European culture that would begin to dominate world affairs in the modern era. Take your pick of the effects above.

Parliaments

Significance: They are significant because especially in Medieval England, they limited the power of the monarchy, and eventually became the leading governmental power, leading to the current system of nominally-ruling monarchs. The first full English Parliamentary session was held in 1265. It represented aristocratic, not popular, interests, however. One of the earliest parliaments was founded in 1000 in Catalonia (Eastern Spain).