For the Good of the People

Social Studies 8

Chapter 8

For the Good of the People Our inquiry question for chapter 8 is:

How does a society’s way of looking at the world influence its customs, choices, and

decisions?

The Aztec Social Hierarchy The Inquiry Question for this section is:

How does the structure of Aztec society tell us what was important to the Aztec people?

The Aztec Social Hierarchy Aztec society was built upon a hierarchy. Typically you were born into a particular

class and that determined what you did in life.

There are some examples of people moving up through the ranks by their own efforts.

The Aztec Social HierarchyThis diagram illustrates the Aztec social structure (page 172)

How similar is this to the European social structure before the enlightenment?

The Renaissance Social Hierarchy

The Aztec Social Hierarchy The Role of the Emperor

The emperor had many privileges Treated like a god Given every possible luxury Absolute power

The Aztec Social Hierarchy The Emperor had many responsibilities

Commander of the Army The emperor had to be a skilled warrior Expert in military strategy Able to lead in battle

Head of State All decisions concerning the empire made by him. All consequences rested on him

Chief Priest Maintained the Aztec religion

The Aztec Social Hierarchy Turn to page 173 and read the Think it

Through section in the bottom right hand corner.

What different perceptions are created by the terms Emperor and Great Speaker?

The Aztec Social Hierarchy Family Clans

Much of Aztec society was organized into calpolli.

Community groups based on neighborhood, occupation, or genealogy.

Merchants The richest calpolli was the merchants. Their trade made them very wealthy. Their knowledge made them very important.

The Aztec Social Hierarchy Farmers

Another calpolli was the farmers who grew and provided food for the empire.

Paid their taxes in produce to support the emperor.

Artisans A third calpolli was the artisans who produced

finished goods (cloth, art, jewelry, ect.) Mainly produced goods for the rich.

The Aztec Social Hierarchy Turn to page 178 Read the paragraph under the heading

“Signs of Status” Then read the “Exploring Sources” section

at the bottom of the page. In our society how do we judge people’s

status? How do we try to maintain our status?