Can you help me? Compare and contrast the empires of the Americas with those that emerged in Africa between 500 and 1500 AD. Discuss the roles played by geography, religion, trade, and politics developments in shaping societies in these regions.
These sites explain how to write a compare/contrast paper.
http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/compcontrast/
http://www.bookrags.com/articles/5.html
http://www.manatee.k12.fl.us/sites/elementary/samoset/rcccon1.htm
http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/comparison_contrast.html
Of course, I can help you compare and contrast the empires of the Americas with those that emerged in Africa between 500 and 1500 AD. To fully understand the similarities and differences between these empires, it is essential to consider the roles played by geography, religion, trade, and political developments. Let's break down each aspect:
1. Geography: Geography had a significant influence on both the American and African empires. In the Americas, the geography varied greatly between the Mesoamerican and Andean regions. Mesoamerican empires like the Aztecs and Maya developed in regions with abundant rainforests, mountains, and fertile soils, facilitating agriculture and dense populations. On the other hand, the Andean empires, particularly the Inca, thrived in the rugged highlands with terraced farming. In Africa, empires such as the Mali and Ghana developed along the Sahel region, benefiting from the trans-Saharan trade routes. The Nile River also played a vital role in shaping empires like Egypt.
2. Religion: Religion played a significant role in both American and African empires. In the Americas, the religions of the Aztecs and Maya were intricate and polytheistic, with a focus on human sacrifices and appeasing gods for prosperity. In Africa, various religions existed, ranging from animism to monotheism. For example, in the Kingdom of Axum, Christianity was adopted, while the Kingdom of Mali was influenced by Islam.
3. Trade: Trade played a crucial role in shaping societies in both regions. In the Americas, Mesoamerican empires, like the Aztecs, established a vast trade network that connected regions through extensive road systems and canals. Similarly, Andean empires, such as the Inca, had an efficient road network (the Inca Road) for trade and communication. In Africa, empires like Mali and Ghana became wealthy through their control of the trans-Saharan trade routes, which facilitated the exchange of gold, salt, and other goods.
4. Political Developments: Political factors played a crucial role in the formation and consolidation of empires in both regions. In the Americas, the empires were often centralized and led by powerful rulers and dynasties. The Aztecs and Incas, for instance, established expansive empires, integrating conquered territories through administrative systems and tribute collection. In Africa, political structures varied, with some empires, like Ghana, being centralized and others, like Mali, being more decentralized with power shared among nobles.
To compare and contrast these empires, consider the following points:
1. Geography: Compare how the different geographies influenced agricultural practices, settlement patterns, and population densities.
2. Religion: Analyze the similarities and differences in religious beliefs and practices, such as polytheism, monotheism, and ancestor worship.
3. Trade: Compare the trade networks, commodities, and economic influences of these empires.
4. Political Developments: Examine the structures, ruling elites, and systems of governance to understand the similarities and differences in political authority.
By considering these aspects and conducting further research on specific empires, you will be able to provide a comprehensive comparison and contrast between the empires of the Americas and those in Africa between 500 and 1500 AD.