History Answer Note #57

Question 1 Read the list and answer the question. Events from Andrew Jackson’s Presidency • Passage of Indian Removal Act • Battle over the Second Bank of the United States • Nullification Crisis What was the main result of Andrew Jackson’s presidency on U.S. politics? a It led to a power struggle between the executive and judicial branches. b It ended the debate over states’ rights. c It established the importance of political skill over military experience. d It strengthened the power of the executive branch. Answer The main result of Andrew Jackson's presidency on U.S. politics was the strengthening of the power of the executive branch. Jackson's presidency, which spanned from 1829 to 1837, was characterized by his strong belief in the power of the executive branch. This belief was evident in his policies and actions, such as the passage of the Indian Removal Act, his battle with the Second Bank of the United States, and the Nullification Crisis. These events had a significant impact on U.S. politics, leading to a power struggle between the executive and judicial branches. However, the main result of Jackson's presidency was the strengthening of the power of the executive branch. One of the main ways in which Jackson expanded the power of the executive branch was through his use of the veto power. He vetoed more bills than all previous presidents combined, using his veto to assert his authority over Congress and solidify the power of the presidency. Additionally, his aggressive and assertive leadership style helped to establish the importance of political skill over military experience. This increase in presidential power had long-term effects on U.S. politics. It shifted the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches, and set the precedent for future presidents to have a strong and active role in governing the country. However, it also sparked debate and criticism over the potential abuse of presidential power. In conclusion, the main result of Andrew Jackson's presidency on U.S. politics was the strengthening of the power of the executive branch. This had significant implications for the balance of power between branches of government and set the stage for the strong, influential role of the presidency in American politics that continues to this day. Question 2 What makes an empire successful? Write a two-paragraph response drawing on evidence from the Aztec and Inca Empires to answer the Compelling Question. Each paragraph should focus on one SPICE category and use evidence from both empires. SPICE Category Overview: SOCIAL POLITICAL INTERACTIONS BETWEEN HUMANS AND THE ENVIRONMENT CULTURAL ECONOMIC How were people organized in this society? How were they divided? What social classes existed? How were people treated differently? What did government look like? Who was the leader of this society? How did people gain and maintain power? What did law, order, and justice look like? What did the geography of the society feature? How did this help these people survive and thrive? How did people use or change their environment? What did this society value or believe? What traditions or customs were important (religion, language, etc.)? What intellectual or cultural innovations or achievements can be credited to this society? How did this society gain the goods and resources it needed? What did this society produce? Answer What makes an empire successful? This is a question that has been debated by historians for centuries and has no definitive answer. However, when looking at the Aztec and Inca Empires, there are several common factors that contributed to their success. In terms of the social category, both the Aztec and Inca Empires had highly organized and structured societies. In the Aztec Empire, people were divided into social classes based on their family backgrounds and occupations. At the top were the nobles and priests, followed by the common people, and at the bottom were slaves. Similarly, the Inca Empire had a strict hierarchy with the emperor at the top, followed by the nobles, bureaucrats, and then the common people. This social organization allowed for efficient governance and cooperation within the empire. In the political category, both empires had strong and centralized governments. The Aztec Empire was ruled by an emperor who had absolute power. However, the emperor was also expected to follow certain traditions and customs, and he had to consult with the nobles and priests on important decisions. Similarly, the Inca Empire was ruled by an emperor, known as the Sapa Inca, who was seen as a divine figure and was believed to have absolute power. The Sapa Inca also had to consult with advisors and high-ranking officials before making decisions, allowing for a balance of power within the government. In terms of interactions between humans and the environment, both empires were able to thrive due to their mastery of agriculture and their ability to adapt to their environments. The Aztec Empire, with its capital city of Tenochtitlan built on an island in the middle of a lake, utilized advanced farming techniques such as chinampas, or floating gardens, to produce enough food for its population. The Inca Empire, located in the Andes Mountains, built an extensive system of terraces and irrigation canals to grow crops and maintain their large population. From a cultural perspective, both empires had strong beliefs and traditions that were deeply ingrained in their societies. Religion played a significant role in both empires, with the Aztec and Inca people worshipping multiple gods and goddesses. This cultural aspect provided a sense of unity and identity within the empires. Moreover, both empires had impressive cultural achievements, such as the Inca's engineering feat of building Machu Picchu and the Aztec's artistic and architectural marvels. Lastly, the economic success of these empires can be attributed to their ability to gain and produce the goods and resources they needed. The Aztecs were skilled traders, with a vast network of trade routes that allowed them to acquire goods from distant regions. The Inca Empire had a centralized economy with a complex system of labor and tribute, where materials and goods were produced by specialized individuals or groups and then distributed throughout the empire. In conclusion, the success of the Aztec and Inca Empires can be attributed to a combination of factors from different SPICE categories. These include their social organization, strong and centralized governments, adaptability to their environments, cultural beliefs and achievements, and their economic systems. By studying these empires, we can gain a deeper understanding of what makes an empire successful and how these elements can contribute to the longevity and prosperity of a society. Question 3 "Explain major historical events and their reasons which caused important world system's transformations in 1500-1750." Answer During the period of 1500-1750, the modern world saw significant transformations in the global system. These transformations not only changed the political landscape but also had a profound impact on economics, society, and culture. In this answer, I will explore the major historical events that occurred during this time period, and the reasons behind their significance in shaping the world system. One of the major events that marked the beginning of the transformation of the world system was the Age of Exploration. This period, also known as the "Age of Discovery," saw European nations such as Portugal, Spain, and England setting sail to discover new lands and establish trade routes. The driving force behind this event was the desire for wealth and power, as well as the spread of Christianity. This led to the colonization of Africa, Asia, and the Americas, setting the foundation for the global trade network and the rise of European dominance. Another significant event during this time was the rise of powerful empires, such as the Ottoman Empire, the Mughal Empire, and the Qing Dynasty. These empires not only expanded their territories but also became major players in the global economy. The reasons behind their rise were a combination of strong central leadership, advanced military technology, and favorable geographic and economic conditions. The emergence of the Atlantic Slave Trade was also a crucial event that caused a significant transformation in the world system. The demand for cheap labor in the colonies led to the brutal enslavement and transportation of millions of Africans to the Americas. This not only had a profound impact on the African continent but also fueled the growth of European economies and the development of the plantation system in the New World. Another important event that cannot be overlooked is the Protestant Reformation. This movement, led by Martin Luther, challenged the authority of the Catholic Church and sparked religious and political conflicts in Europe. The end result was the division of Christianity and the rise of new religious and political ideologies. In terms of economic transformations, the rise of capitalism and the establishment of the Atlantic trade network were of great significance. The exploitation of new resources, the growth of mercantilism, and the establishment of joint-stock companies led to the accumulation of wealth and the growth of a global market economy. In conclusion, the major historical events that occurred in the period of 1500-1750 were driven by factors such as expanding trade and commerce, the rise of powerful empires, religious and political conflicts, and the search for wealth and power. These events not only shaped the world system of the time but also had lasting effects on modern-day society. It is crucial to study and understand these events in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of the global system.