Week 5 – Discussion 1

This week, we have examined state building across the world, ranging across Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Europe, along with the interconnections across and between these societies. These multiple examples allow us to consider the strategies powerful states used to create, expand, and defend their rule. For this discussion, you will compare and contrast the societies you have chosen to explain how they sought to gain, expand, or maintain their power.

First, select two societies from among those found in this week’s textbook readings. Africa & The Americas

Next, select two of the following categories: Gender Roles or expectations & Social Organizations

• Political organization
• Social organization
• Gender roles or expectations
• Religious or ethical principles
• Economic policies
• Trade
• Diplomacy / Alliances
• Warfare (either to attack or defend from attack)
• Technological advances

How did the societies you have chosen use the strategies you have selected to create, expand, or maintain their power? Remember to use the organizational principles from your Week 3 Assignment to develop your initial post of at least 300 words. Supply specific examples drawn from course materials, sources produced by your own research, or sources included in the collaborative annotated bibliography to support your position. Cite and format all sources according to APA style guidelines as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center, using both in-text citations and providing full references at the bottom of your post. Consult the HIS103 The Dawn of the Early Modern Age Tour (Links to an external site.) for additional sources.