An overview of how Tenochtitlan creates the tributary Aztec Empire in the 15th Century (from the Triple Alliance). They rule until being conquered by Hernando Cortez. Created by World History Project.

Mexica brazier of Chicomecoatl, c. 1500, ceramic, found in Tláhuac (south of Mexico City), 104 cm high (Museo Nacional de Antropología, Mexico City) A conversation between Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank and Dr. Steven Zucker. Created by Smarthistory.

Coatlicue, c. 1500, Mexica (Aztec), found on the SE edge of the Plaza mayor/Zocalo in Mexico City, basalt, 257 cm high (National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City)
A conversation with Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank and Dr. Steven Zucker. Created by Beth Harris and Steven Zucker.

Coyolxauhqui Monolith (Aztec), c. 1500, volcanic stone, found Templo Mayor, Tenochtitlan, excavated 1978 (Museo del Templo Mayor, Mexico City). Speakers: Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank

Feathered headdress, Aztec, reproduction (National Anthropology Museum, Mexico City) Original: Feathered headdress, Mexico, Aztec, early 16th century, quetzal, cotinga, roseate spoonbill, piaya feathers; wood, fibers, amate paper, cotton, gold, gilded brass (World Museum, Vienna). The headdress is also called the “Penacho of Moctezuma II.” “Moctezuma II’s Headdress” was first mentioned in a European inventory in 1596, when it was acquired by Austrian Archduke Ferdinand II von Tyrol. It was listed there as “a Moorish hat.” It was likely an object sent from Mesoamerica to Europe by Hernan Cortes, but it is unknown whether it actually belonged to Moctezuma II himself. A conversation with Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank and Dr. Beth Harris

House of the Eagles, sacred precinct of Tenochtitlan (now Mexico City), c. 1400–1521, and Mictlantecuhtli and Eagle Warrior, c. 1400–1521, terracotta and plaster, life-size, found in the House of the Eagles (The Templo Mayor Museum, Mexico City) A conversation between Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank and Dr. Steven Zucker. Created by Smarthistory.

An overview of the Inca Empire, or Tawantinsuyu, founded by Pachacuti from the Kingdom of Cusco. The Mit'a system and eventual conquest by Pizarro.

In this 7th grade humanities lesson, students prepare tortillas, pico de gallo, and tomatillo salsa after learning about the different agricultural techniques developed by the Mayan, Aztec and Inca civilizations.

Monolith of Tlaltecuhtli (Earth Lord), 1502, Mexica (Aztec), stone, 4.19 x 3.62 m (Museo Templo Mayor, Mexico City) Speakers: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank and Dr. Steven Zucker. Created by Steven Zucker and Beth Harris.

The Sun Stone (or The Calendar Stone), Aztec, reign of Moctezuma II (1502-20), discovered in 1790 at the southeastern edge of the Plaza Mayor (Zocalo) in Mexico City, stone (unfinished), 358 cm diameter x 98 cm depth (Museo Nacional de Antropología). Speakers: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank and Dr. Beth Harris

Tlaloc vessel, c. 1440-70, found Templo Mayor, Tenochtitlan, ceramic (Museo del Templo Mayor, Mexico City) Speakers: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank and Dr. Beth Harris.

 U.S. History is designed to meet the scope and sequence requirements of most introductory courses. The text provides a balanced approach to U.S. history, considering the people, events, and ideas that have shaped the United States from both the top down (politics, economics, diplomacy) and bottom up (eyewitness accounts, lived experience). U.S. History covers key forces that form the American experience, with particular attention to issues of race, class, and gender.Senior Contributing AuthorsP. Scott Corbett, Ventura CollegeVolker Janssen, California State University, FullertonJohn M. Lund, Keene State CollegeTodd Pfannestiel, Clarion UniversityPaul Vickery, Oral Roberts UniversitySylvie Waskiewicz

U.S. History is designed for a two-semester American history sequence. It is traditional in coverage, following a roughly chronological outline, and using a balanced approach that includes political, economic, social, and cultural developments. At the same time, the book includes a number of innovative and interactive features designed to enhance student learning. Instructors can also customize the book, adapting it to the approach that works best in their classroom.