CH. 4

In chapter four, “Precolumbian imperialism: theories and evidence,” Conrad and Demarest gives insight on the theories of Precolumbian expansion with evidence to support their views. They attempt to provide an explanation that would satisfy the question of ‘Why?’ that has lingered since the time of Cortes and Pizarro.  Conrad and Demarest’s would begin by pointing out that the most common mistake is that scholars would assume that the two imperial expansions were superficial parallels. In fact, they view that the expansions were much more complex. (152)

Chapter four is dissected into five major components: The ideological adaptations of the Mexica and Inca states, Environmental factors, Demographic factors, The economic and political rationale of Precolumbian imperialism, and A comparative appraisal of Mexica and Inca expansionism.  Conrad and Demarest believes that it is imperative to understand each component without having a “single-factor” as “prime movers” for the Precolumbian imperialism, and simultaneously without disregarding any other theories. Therefore, they suggest that scholars should have a “cause and effect” approach to better understand the theories presented, as well as their counter-theories as rebuttal.  (154)

In short, Conrad and Demarest both conclude that there are no defining factors for the reasons behind the imperialistic expansions. They uncover that religion did play a fundamental role in the rise and fall of the civilizations as well as the economic and political factors. Ultimately, the rise and fall of the two empires can only be labeled as a multicausal process, rather than a singular process. (178-187)