Conclusion:
American Indian Diversity in
World Context
lTwo great imperial systems had been created in Mesoamerica and the Andes.
lBy the close of the 15th
century these militaristic states
were fragile, weakened by internal strains and technological inferiority.
lAmerican societies ranged
from the Aztec-Inca great civilizations
to small bands of hunters.
lThe continued; evolution of all Indian societies was disastrously disrupted by European invasions beginning in 1492.