Answer :
When the Sapa Inca, the emperor of the Inca Empire, wanted to include a new group into his empire, his first action was usually to send envoys to offer the group a peaceful proposal for inclusion. This often involved offering gifts and promises of protection and benefits, such as improved infrastructure like roads and irrigation, in exchange for their allegiance to the Inca ruler. This strategy was used to peacefully integrate new regions and maintain stability within the empire, as compliant regions would be easier to manage and would allow the Inca to expand their influence with less resistance.
If a group resisted inclusion into the Inca Empire, the Incas would resort to military confrontation. The Inca army was formidable and well-coordinated, and they would often achieve victory over resisting groups. After defeating them, the consequences could be severe, including the displacement of populations and installation of loyal Inca administrators, further ensuring control over the newly conquered area.
The leaders of groups that became part of the Inca Empire had to comply with several expectations to maintain their status and the favor of the Inca. They often had to pay tribute in the form of goods or labor, which was part of the mita system. Moreover, their sons were sometimes taken to the Inca capital, Cusco, and educated in Inca ways, creating a cultural assimilation strategy while ensuring loyalty from the next generation.
The Incas held a unique belief about the land conquered by the Sapa Inca. They believed that the land conquered by each Sapa Inca continued to belong to him even after his death. This meant that each new Sapa Inca had to conquer new lands to ensure resources and wealth for himself and the state he governed. This belief could have driven the expansion of the Inca Empire significantly, as each successive ruler sought to establish and maintain their own legacy and power by acquiring more territory.
