Book: The Inca and Aztec States, 1400-1800

Introduction
"The Inca and Aztec States, 1400-1800" by Alfred L. Kroeber is a traditional piece of historical anthropology, published in 1957. In this book, Kroeber examines the growth, structure, and fall of the Inca and Aztec empires in the 15th-18th centuries. While these two pre-Columbian civilizations developed in different regions (the Inca in the Andean highlands of South America and the Aztec in Central Mexico), they both shared considerable similarities in their political and military company, economy, and society. By comparing these 2 powerful states, Kroeber aims to reveal the intricate processes that led to their increase and ultimate collapse.

Origins of the Inca and Aztec States
Kroeber starts his analysis with the development of the Inca and Aztec states, which he attributes mainly to their geographical environments. The Inca state, referred to as Tawantinsuyu, emerged from the Andean civilization, which was characterized by a combination of fertile farming in the valleys and pastoralism in the highlands. The centralized nature of the Inca state was facilitated by a system of mutual labor exchange, called the mita, which allowed the ruler to manage the surplus labor force. The Aztec state, alternatively known as the Triple Alliance, was formed by a union of three effective Nahua city-states in the Valley of Mexico: Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, and Tlacopan. The Aztecs constructed their empire through a combination of military conquest and diplomatic alliances, which in turn allowed them to control the resources and labor of their tributary provinces.

Structure and Organization of the Inca and Aztec States
Central to Kroeber's analysis is the concept of the state, which he defines as a political entity with a central authority that works out control over a territory and its population. The Inca and Aztec states were both identified by a highly central authority, in which the ruler held absolute power. In the Inca Empire, this ruler was the Sapa Inca, who was thought about to be the magnificent personification of the sun god Inti. In the Aztec Empire, this ruler was the Huey Tlatoani, who was similarly thought about to be a magnificent leader. The power of the Inca and Aztec rulers crossed their particular areas through the installation of regional administrators, who preserved control over tributary provinces.

The Inca and Aztec states were likewise marked by their extremely stratified social systems. In both empires, the ruling class included a genetic nobility that managed the flow of resources and patronage. The commoners in the Inca and Aztec states were mostly engaged in farming production, although there was also a significant artisan class and a class of expert warriors. Slavery existed in both states, although in the Inca state, slaves were often provided as tributes or war slaves, while in the Aztec state, slaves were more commonly offered in the market.

Economy and Tribute Systems
The economies of the Inca and Aztec states were mainly based upon the extraction of homage from their subjugated territories. In both cases, tribute included farming products, textiles, and other crafted goods, in addition to labor. The Inca state was unique in its emphasis on the warehouse (qollqa) system, which enabled the storage and redistribution of tribute items, demonstrating the state's prominence in redistributive financial practices. The Aztec state, on the other hand, mainly taken in homage in your area, resulting in a more market-oriented economy.

The Fall of the Inca and Aztec States
The supreme fall of the Inca and Aztec states was caused by a mix of internal and external aspects. Internally, both empires faced dynastic disputes and has a hard time over power throughout their last years. Externally, the arrival of the Spanish conquerors, led by Francisco Pizarro and Hernán Cortés, led the Inca and Aztec states to fall. The Spanish, with remarkable weapons, military tactics, and the spread of illness such as smallpox, eventually beat these once-mighty empires. Kroeber's book concludes with a reflection on the legacy of the Inca and Aztec states, noting that their political and social organization continues to influence contemporary Latin American societies.