Identify one way in which the Lakota Sioux used the buffalo.
[1]
Name a new technology or development that helped Homesteaders survive on the Plains
after 1861.
[1]
Identify one way in which African Americans tried to improve their lives between 1877 and 1900.
[1]
Write a clear and organised summary that analyses the American Civil War.
Support your summary with examples.
[9]
What was the impact of the growth of big business and/or cities during the period 1877–1900?
Explain your answer.
[10]
4* ‘The main reason the USA expanded between 1789 and 1838 was because land was taken from Native American tribes in wars.’
How far do you agree?
Give reasons for your answer.
[18]
5* ‘Between 1861 and 1877, Native Americans of the Plains had no success in challenging the US government and white settlement.’
How far do you agree?
Give reasons for your answer.
[18]
What can Source A tell us about the Aztecs?
Use the source and your own knowledge to support your answer.
Source A
An extract from the ‘Durán Codex’ written by Friar Diego Durán in 1581. Durán was born in Spain, but his family moved to Mexico in the 1540s when he was very young. Durán was fluent in the Aztec language and won the trust of the native people of Mexico. His book was based on interviews with the native people.
A large stone was carved in the likeness of the sun and a great feast was held. The kings of the surrounding states were invited to the feast and ceremony. They all sent fine gifts in gratitude. After the sacrifice of prisoners from Coixtlahuaca, the great feast was held. The Warriors of the Sun celebrated by consuming much human flesh.
These warriors also gathered at the ‘House of Eagles’ where they practised the use of weapons. No one could enter that house unless he was a son of a knight. The Aztecs distinguished between the noble chieftains and the warriors, between the warriors and the shield bearers, and between these and the lower officials who were commoners. In the palace there were special rooms for people of different rank. The common people had no business entering the royal buildings, and the death penalty was used on any common man who dared pass the royal doors.
[7]
How useful are Sources B and C and Interpretation D for a historian studying New Spain (Mexico) in the years after the fall of the Aztec Empire?
In your answer, refer to the two sources and the interpretation as well as your own knowledge.
Source B
An extract from a letter written by one of the four members of the Second Audiencia. The author was writing to the Council of the Indies in August 1531.
The Council of the Indies was located in Spain and was a royal institution set up to oversee the government of Spain’s colonies. The Second Audiencia governed New Spain but was under the authority of the Council of the Indies. The Second Audiencia started its work in 1530.
You cannot imagine the greed, disorder and laziness of the Spanish in this country. Those who have encomiendas think only of making the greatest possible profit out of them, without bothering the least bit about the welfare or religious instruction of the Indians. Those who do not have encomiendas complain insolently that they have nothing to live on. If told they are able to work, they answer that they took part in the conquest.
The Indians should not be made to work for Spaniards more than thirty-five days a year. However, this service does keep the Indians from indulging in sin, crimes and laziness.
Source C
An extract from ‘The True History of the Conquest of New Spain’ written by Bernal Díaz, one of Cortés’ Spanish invaders. He started to work on his book many years after the conquest and later added more to it in response to the work of other writers. Díaz felt that these other writers were either too critical of his fellow soldiers or did not give them enough credit for their role in the conquest.
After getting rid of their idols, the Indians were baptised. Most of them have successfully learned all the trades we have in Spain, and earn a living by them. There are gold and silversmiths and other excellent craftsmen who do the most beautiful work, especially in depicting our Saviour Jesus Christ. If one had not seen them do it, one would never believe it was the Indians’ work. Many of the sons of chieftains know how to read and write. Many are also rich, own horses and have bull fights especially on saints’ days. Other Indians breed cattle, plough the land and grow wheat to sell. They have planted their lands with all the trees and fruits we brought from Spain.
We have shown the Indians how to use our laws from Spain and how to appoint officials and have courthouses. In towns like Tlaxcala and Cholula, justice is carried out with as much care as in Spain. They desire to know much more about the laws of Spain.
Interpretation D
An extract from the ‘History of the Conquest of Mexico’ by William H Prescott. This book was published in 1843.
In the distribution of land among the conquerors, Cortés adopted the vicious system of encomiendas. The royal government, however, in instructions to Cortés, told him to get rid of them. The colonists, in their greed, easily ignored the royal orders. There were repeated instructions by the royal government against slavery, but it was powerless to enforce them against the greed of the colonists. In the mining districts in particular, the situation of the poor natives was terrible.
Whatever disregard he may have shown to the political rights of the natives, Cortés showed a wonderful concern for their spiritual welfare and requested that Franciscan friars be sent to the country. Their arrival was greeted with general rejoicing by the natives and they lost no time in the good work of conversion.
[15]
8* ‘The main reason the Spanish were able to come to Tenochtitlán in 1519 was that they successfully gained local allies.’
How far do you agree?
Give reasons for your answer.
[18]
9* ‘Moctezuma’s mistakes were the most important factor in the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire.’
How far do you agree?
Give reasons for your answer.
[18]
The paper as printed
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