9.8 - Africa and the Americas Pre-1600

Ninth Grade - Ninth Social Studies - 9.8 - Africa and the Americas Pre-1600

From EngageNY

The environment, trade networks, and belief systems influenced the development of complex societies and civilizations in Africa and the Americas ca. 1325–1600.

9.8a Complex societies and civilizations continued to develop in Africa and the Americas. The environment, the availability of resources, and the use of trade networks shaped the growth of the Aztec, Inca, and Songhai empires and East African city-states. This growth also influenced their economies and relationships with others.

Students will locate the extent of the Songhai and East African states in Africa and the Aztec and Incan empires in the Americas using an Atlantic Ocean-centered map. Students will examine the adaptations made to the environment by the Aztecs and Incas.
Students will examine the relationships with neighboring peoples in the region considering warfare, tribute, and trade.
Students will examine the influence of Islam on the growth of trade networks and power relations in the Songhai Empire and in East African city-states.

9.8b Local traditional religions influenced the development of complex societies and civilizations in Africa and the Americas ca. 1325–1600.

Students will examine the role of nature and the traditional religious beliefs in the Americas and Africa (e.g., animism) during this period.
Students will explore the relationships between religious beliefs and political power in the Aztec and Inca empires.

9.8c Complex societies and civilizations made unique cultural achievements and contributions.

Students will investigate the achievements and contributions of the Aztec, Inca, and Songhai empires.

Supporting Materials

From Columbus to colonial America, 1492 to 1763

Traces the history of America from Columbus' discovery in 1492 to the Colonial Period and discusses the leading citizens of the time periods, the Puritans, the Quakers, and the Frontier. Provides information about the political and economic growth, increased population, cultural and religious...

History of the World

Take a ride through humankind's history with History of the World, a game of conquest and cunning for three to six players. Expand your empire as you command mighty empires at the height of their power from the dawn of civilization to the twentieth century. Each game offers an epic experience as...

Learn more on Engage NY

EngageNY.org is developed and maintained by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) to support the implementation of key aspects of the New York State Board of Regents Reform Agenda.

This is the official web site for current materials and resources related to the Regents Reform Agenda. The agenda includes the implementation of the New York State P-12 Common Core Learning Standards (CCLS), Teacher and Leader Effectiveness (TLE), and Data-Driven Instruction (DDI). EngageNY.org is dedicated to providing educators across New York State with real-time, professional learning tools and resources to support educators in reaching the State’s vision for a college and career ready education for all students.