Final answer:
The rise and expansion of the Mayan, Aztec, and Inca empires were driven by military conquest, political alliances, and tribute extraction. The Spanish conquests were facilitated by internal conflicts, diseases, and superior weaponry.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rise and expansion of the Mayan, Aztec, and Inca empires can be attributed to a combination of factors. In Mesoamerica, including the Mayan and Aztec territories, the empires grew through military conquest, political alliances, and the subjugation of surrounding tribes. The empires were able to control vast territories, extract tribute from conquered peoples, and build impressive cities and monuments.
In South America, the Inca Empire expanded through a combination of military conquest and strategic alliances. They established a highly efficient bureaucracy, built a vast road network, and imposed their language and culture on conquered territories.
The Spanish conquests of these empires were facilitated by several factors. The empires were weakened by internal conflicts, diseases brought by the Europeans, and the arrival of superior European weaponry. The Spanish also took advantage of existing rivalries between indigenous groups and enlisted the support of those who were unhappy with the rule of the Aztecs and Incas.