Answer:
Religion played a significant role in the expansion of cultural influence in the Americas. It provided a common identity and sense of purpose for communities and helped to legitimize political authority. Two examples of cultures in the Americas that used religion to expand their influence are the Aztecs and the Incas.
The Aztecs used religion as a tool to establish their empire in the 15th century. They worshiped a pantheon of gods and goddesses, with the god Huitzilopochtli as their patron deity. The Aztecs believed that Huitzilopochtli required constant offerings of blood and hearts to sustain his power and prevent the end of the world. This belief led to the development of a complex system of human sacrifice, which was used to expand Aztec influence by terrorizing neighboring communities into submission. The Aztec empire also established a network of religious centers and temples throughout its territories, which served as hubs for trade, politics, and culture.
Similarly, the Incas used religion as a means of political control and expansion. The Inca empire worshiped a variety of gods, with the sun god Inti as the most important. The Inca emperor was believed to be the direct descendant of Inti, and this divine connection was used to justify the emperor's absolute authority. The Incas also developed a system of ancestor worship, which reinforced the authority of the emperor and established a sense of unity among conquered peoples. This system allowed the Incas to integrate diverse ethnic and linguistic groups into their empire and expand their influence across a vast territory.
Reference:
Mann, C. (2006). 1491: New revelations of the Americas before Columbus. Vintage Books.
McEwan, C. (2006). Ancient American art in detail. Harvard University Press.