🌍ap world history: modern review

key term - Andes Mountains

Definition

The Andes Mountains are the longest continental mountain range in the world, stretching along the western edge of South America. They played a crucial role in shaping the cultures and societies of the region, influencing agriculture, trade, and the development of civilizations such as the Inca Empire from 1200 to 1450.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The Andes Mountains extend over 4,300 miles from Venezuela to Chile, making them a significant geographical feature that influenced climate and biodiversity.
  2. The high altitudes of the Andes created diverse ecological zones, allowing different crops such as potatoes and maize to be cultivated at various elevations.
  3. The Incas built an extensive network of roads across the Andes, facilitating communication and trade throughout their empire, which was critical for their economic development.
  4. Andean cultures developed unique architectural styles adapted to their mountainous environment, as seen in structures like Machu Picchu, which remains a testament to their engineering skills.
  5. The harsh climate and rugged terrain of the Andes presented challenges for agriculture but also fostered innovative practices like terracing, which greatly enhanced food production.

Review Questions

  • How did the geography of the Andes Mountains influence the development of civilizations in South America?
    • The geography of the Andes Mountains significantly shaped the development of civilizations like the Inca Empire by providing diverse ecological zones that supported various agricultural practices. The high altitudes allowed for crops such as potatoes and maize to be cultivated in different climates. Additionally, the rugged terrain led to innovations like terracing, enabling effective farming on steep slopes. These geographical features not only provided resources but also facilitated trade and communication through an extensive road network.
  • Evaluate the impact of Andean agriculture on the social and economic structure of the Inca Empire.
    • Andean agriculture had a profound impact on the social and economic structure of the Inca Empire by ensuring food security through innovative farming techniques like terracing. This allowed for surplus production, which supported population growth and urbanization. The surplus also facilitated trade among different regions within the empire and helped establish a complex social hierarchy where specialized roles emerged in agriculture, trade, and administration. Thus, agriculture became a foundation for both economic stability and social organization within Inca society.
  • Analyze how the innovations developed in response to the challenges posed by the Andes Mountains contributed to the overall success of Andean civilizations.
    • Innovations developed in response to the challenges of the Andes Mountains played a crucial role in the success of Andean civilizations like the Incas. Techniques such as terracing allowed societies to effectively farm on steep slopes, maximizing arable land despite harsh conditions. The construction of an extensive road network facilitated trade and communication across difficult terrains, enhancing economic integration within the empire. Moreover, sophisticated systems like quipus for record-keeping demonstrated advanced administrative capabilities. These innovations not only mitigated environmental challenges but also fostered resilience and adaptability in Andean cultures.