Early American Settlements and Mesoamerican Civilizations Comparison

Historical Comparisons: Early Colonies and Ancient Empires

Jamestown and Plymouth: Similarities and Differences

Both of these colonies eventually developed democratic tendencies. The colonists decided what to do and who held important positions (e.g., the House of Burgesses). They needed to maintain relationships with Native American tribes to survive, and both were established by Joint Stock Companies.

Key Distinctions Between Jamestown and Plymouth

• Founding Motivation: Jamestown (1607) was established for economic reasons (seeking wealth), while Plymouth was founded for religious reasons (seeking freedom).
• Settler Profile: The initial settlers in Jamestown included high-class individuals and soldiers who lacked agricultural knowledge, necessitating assistance from Native Americans. In contrast, the Plymouth settlers were generally well-equipped and intended to establish a permanent settlement.
• Economic Goals: Jamestown's original goal was short-term: to quickly acquire gold and silver and return to England. While gold and silver were absent, the land proved ideal for cultivating tobacco. Plymouth's economy relied on barter, primarily within the colony itself.
• Stability: Economically, Plymouth was more stable than Jamestown.
• Labor: Agricultural labor in Jamestown was performed by enslaved people, initially English indentured servants, and subsequently African slaves.

Classification of British Colonies

The three types of British colonies were: Proprietary, Charter, and Royal. (Note: The fragmented term 'Qartek: propiertary' appears to be a supplementary note related to proprietary classification.)

Comparing the Aztec, Inca, and Maya Civilizations

The Maya civilization was situated in the dense jungle of the Yucatán Peninsula. The Aztecs settled in the area of modern-day Mexico City, while the Incan empire spanned the Andes Mountains. Differences also existed in their farming techniques.

Societal and Cultural Differences

The Maya and the Aztecs were prominent traders among the three civilizations, though the Maya were arguably more proficient. The Aztecs were exceptional builders; the famous pyramids of Mexico were constructed by them.

The Inca and the Maya developed distinct languages and religions. The Aztecs demonstrated a greater focus on religion compared to the Maya and Inca.

The Aztecs were major conquerors, capturing many people and incorporating them into their community. The Inca also conquered surrounding populations. The Maya, however, did not maintain a standing army focused on capturing people; they operated under a hierarchical system.

The Maya and Aztec civilizations shared foundational societal structures but employed different methods. The Inca, however, were the most distinct, maintaining a highly organized and relatively peaceful empire.