An investigation of the Aztec and Inca Empires shows that (1 point)
• their leaders did not have enough wealth to fund their defense.
• their territories were small and easy to conquer.
• their armies were too small to defeat the Spanish.
• their weapons were not strong enough to defeat the Spanish.
their weapons were not strong enough to defeat the Spanish.
To find the answer, we can analyze each option and eliminate the ones that do not fit the facts about the Aztec and Inca Empires.
1. Their leaders did not have enough wealth to fund their defense. - This option is not likely to be the correct answer because both the Aztec and Inca Empires were characterized by considerable wealth. The Aztecs had a prosperous trading economy, and the Inca Empire was known for its extensive gold and silver reserves.
2. Their territories were small and easy to conquer. - This option is also unlikely because both empires had large territories with formidable defenses. The Aztec Empire, for instance, controlled a vast area in Central Mexico, while the Inca Empire stretched along the Andes mountains for thousands of kilometers.
3. Their armies were too small to defeat the Spanish. - This option holds more credibility. The Aztec and Inca armies were indeed outnumbered and overwhelmed by the Spanish conquistadors. The Spanish had the advantage of superior weaponry, horse cavalry, and the support of indigenous allies who opposed the Aztecs and Incas.
4. Their weapons were not strong enough to defeat the Spanish. - This option is likely the most accurate. While both empires had respectable military capabilities, their weapons were no match for the advanced firearms, armor, and siege technology brought by the Spanish invaders.
Considering the facts, it is safe to conclude that the most plausible answer is: their weapons were not strong enough to defeat the Spanish.