Anthro 41a Discussion 3

I’m studying for my History class and need an explanation.

Please scroll and contribute at least 2 posts to this Discussion Board on at least 2 distinct questions threads. Each post will be given points for the following:

1) adequate length (approximately 200 words)

2) clarity and good writing

3) including a specific example

4) including an in-text citation (to either assigned or extra material must use a proper citation format) – The citation should come from course readings, films, or outside sources .

Example (author, page number)

5) including a question that you are left with.

PLEASE RESPOND TO TWO OF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

1. The traditional story of the European conquest of Mexico claims that the Aztec Empire fell due to European technological superiority (this view is even reflected in The Conquistadors film). Based on lecture and on the Broken Spears book, why is this inaccurate? What reasons for the fall of the Aztec civilization had nothing to do with European technology or a more advanced European civilization? In what ways is the telling of the conquest of the Aztecs in The Broken Spears and The Conquistadors film different? Why is it important for readers to read about the conquest from the viewpoint of the Aztecs? What does this show us about the importance of historiography?
2. According to the Eurocentric diffusionist argument, why did Europeans conquer the Americas? What is Blaut’s counter-argument? According to Blaut, what were three reasons the Americas were conquered by Europeans and not by other societies? What are the myths that Blaut mentions regarding the way Europeans conquered the Americas? What is his counter-argument? Specifically, address military technology and susceptibility to disease in the Americas (See pages 183-186). Compare one of Blaut’s points to either main points from The Broken Spears or The Conquistadors film.
3. How did Europe benefit from colonialism (what did the region gain)? Include mention of the types of capital Europe acquired. How was this important to the rise of capitalism in Europe and the rise of Europe’s position in the world? Considering all of the factors that lead to the rise of Europe, what effect do you think this had on the rest of the world (See pages 198-201)? Give one example of the effects of European colonialism that is evident in the world today.
4. What was the importance of the Indian Ocean? What types of economic systems developed across regions from Africa to Eastern Asia during the Middle Ages due to trade on the Indian Ocean? What were the consequences of Europe being excluded from trade in that region? Choose a City State in Africa and explain its economic features during the Middle Ages. What were some of its successes or accomplishments? What events and political and economic systems led to China’s status as a superpower in the 1400s? How does this knowledge of economic activity around the Indian Ocean compare to your understanding of global economic history prior to taking this course? Give a specific example from your education, reading, or films and visual representations.
5. What role did religion have in the formation of the Holy Roman Empire as well as its mission and the beliefs of its leaders? How did Emperor Charles V gain control over so much territory? Describe the beginnings of the Protestant Reformation. What policies of the Catholic church did Martin Luther critique in his 95 theses? Choose 1-2 policies that Luther critiqued at the time and explain whether you agree or disagree with his criticisms and why.