Which statement best summarizes the development and expansion of the Inca Empire? (1 point)
• The Inca developed slowly over thousands of years to create their empire.
• The Inca benefited from the use of advanced weapons, to conquer their neighbors
• The Inca conquered a diverse set of ethnic groups across the Andes Mountains.
• The Inca created new religious and cultural identities to unify their empire.
The statement that best summarizes the development and expansion of the Inca Empire is: The Inca conquered a diverse set of ethnic groups across the Andes Mountains.
The best statement that summarizes the development and expansion of the Inca Empire is: The Inca conquered a diverse set of ethnic groups across the Andes Mountains.
To answer this question, we can break down each statement and analyze its accuracy.
1. "The Inca developed slowly over thousands of years to create their empire."
This statement is not accurate. While the Inca civilization had a long history of development, the actual expansion of the Inca Empire took place over a relatively short period. The Inca Empire emerged in the 15th century and rapidly expanded through military conquest.
2. "The Inca benefited from the use of advanced weapons to conquer their neighbors."
This statement is partially accurate. The Inca did have access to advanced weapons, such as bronze and copper-tipped spears, slingshots, and stone projectile weapons. These weapons played a role in their military conquests, but it is not the sole reason for their success.
3. "The Inca conquered a diverse set of ethnic groups across the Andes Mountains."
This statement is accurate. The Inca Empire expanded by conquering and incorporating various ethnic groups across the Andes Mountains. They established a centralized administration and imposed their language, Quechua, as the official language of their empire.
4. "The Inca created new religious and cultural identities to unify their empire."
This statement is accurate. Alongside their military conquests, the Inca implemented a policy known as "Incaization," which involved a process of assimilating conquered populations into Inca culture. They actively promoted their religious beliefs, including the worship of Inti, the sun god, and imposed their architectural and artistic styles throughout the empire.
Based on the analysis above, the statement that best summarizes the development and expansion of the Inca Empire is: "The Inca conquered a diverse set of ethnic groups across the Andes Mountains."