Question
Discuss the role of warfare in maintaining and expanding the political organization of one pre-Columbian society.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Candidates will offer a considered and balanced review of the role of warfare in maintaining and expanding the political organization of one society in pre-Columbian America during, although not necessarily spanning, the period from c750 to 1500. Both beneficial and detrimental effects are relevant. Candidates will refer to maintenance and expansion in their responses; however, the treatment of each does not need to be equal. Candidates may argue that some societies were organized into independent city-states that fought against each other to maintain and extend their territory. They may also claim that success in war led to territorial expansion, increased the resources and contributed to the maintenance of the dominant society. Some societies, such as the Aztecs, exacted tributes and forced unequal trade relations upon the conquered territories. It may be suggested that wars weakened the political organization of a society and contributed to their defeat by the Spanish.
Question
Compare and contrast the social structures of two indigenous societies.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Candidates will give an account of the similarities and differences in the social structures of two indigenous societies within the given period, referring to both societies throughout. Areas for discussion may include the wielding of power over a society, or how power was handed down from generation to generation. The existence of slavery, the role, status and rights of women, as well as customs, such as those relating to marriage, children and the elderly may also provide fruitful avenues of exploration. Some indigenous societies had a very complex social structure of class and status with many different layers while others had a very simple structure. As such, the societies chosen will influence the extent of comparison and contrast. The types of societies chosen, be they communal, individual, permanent, nomadic, urban or rural may also have an influence on the levels of comparison and contrast.
Question
Discuss the political organization of one pre-Columbian society.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Candidates will offer a considered and balanced review of the political organization of one society in pre-Columbian America during, although not necessarily spanning, the period from c750 to 1500. While candidates may briefly contextualize the situation in the Americas in this period and offer information regarding the types of political entities that existed at this time—empires (Inca), kingdoms or cacicazgos (Chibchas), confederations (Iroquois), or tribes, clans or bands (Cherokee or Dakota), for example—the overall focus of their responses must be on the political organization
of the chosen society. In answering the question, candidates may adopt a chronological approach, outlining how the political organization of the chosen society evolved in response to the pressures it experienced. Alternatively, candidates may identify a range of pressures, for example religious or geographical, that shaped the political organization of the society. A range of approaches is permissible.
Question
Discuss the scientific and artistic developments that took place in one pre-Columbian society.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Candidates will offer a considered and balanced review of the scientific and artistic developments that took place in one society in pre-Columbian America during, although not necessarily spanning, the period from c750 to 1500. Popular examples are likely to be the Mayan, Aztec and Incan cultures but discussion of any society from the region during the timeframe is acceptable. Candidates may adopt a chronological approach, perhaps outlining how scientific and artistic developments evolved in response to certain pressures at certain times. Alternatively, candidates may, for example, suggest that scientific and artistic developments were intertwined, noting the celestial alignment of some structures, such as the Mayan pyramids, which indicate the interplay between architecture and astronomy. Candidates may, if they wish, deal with scientific and artistic developments separately. A range of approaches is permissible.