How did the Spanish ultimately take control of the Inca and Aztec Empires?(1 point) Responses The entire Inca and Aztec populations were killed by smallpox before the Spanish arrived. The entire Inca and Aztec populations were killed by smallpox before the Spanish arrived. The Inca and Aztec Empires eventually fell under Spanish control because the Spanish had superior weapons. The Inca and Aztec Empires eventually fell under Spanish control because the Spanish had superior weapons. The Spanish took advantage of civil war. The Spanish took advantage of civil war. The Spanish were welcomed and given slaves and riches.
Question In 3–5 sentences, explain how the Aztecs tried to adapt to their environment and whether they were successful.(4 points)
The Aztecs adapted to their environment by building chinampas, or floating gardens, to cultivate crops in the wetlands of the Valley of Mexico. They also constructed an extensive system of canals and irrigation channels to manage their water supply. These adaptations allowed them to produce a surplus of food and support a large population. Overall, the Aztecs were successful in adapting to their environment and creating an advanced civilization. Their agricultural techniques, along with their trading networks, helped them thrive economically and politically.
Question Write 3–5 sentences investigating the cultural, political, technological, and economic changes and continuities between the Olmec and Mayan civilizations.(4 points)
The Olmec and Mayan civilizations shared some cultural, political, technological, and economic changes and continuities. Culturally, both civilizations placed significant emphasis on religion and had complex belief systems, evidenced by their monumental architecture and elaborate rituals. Politically, both civilizations had hierarchical societies with kings or rulers, though the Mayans developed more elaborate city-states. Technologically, both civilizations developed systems of writing and calendrical systems, though the Mayans advanced writing to a higher level. Economically, both civilizations relied on agriculture as their primary means of sustenance, but the Mayans developed extensive trade networks and specialized in long-distance trade.
In 1–2 sentences, describe what factors a historian might consider in investigating the physical impact of Spanish conquest on the Aztec and Inca Empires.(2 points)
A historian might consider factors such as changes in population demographics, alterations in land and resource distribution, and the influence of introduced diseases and the disruption of indigenous social structures on the physical impact of Spanish conquest on the Aztec and Inca Empires.
