Advanced Placement (AP) World History Practice Exam 2025 - Free AP World History Practice Questions and Study Guide

The Inca civilization, primarily located in present-day Peru, was one of the most significant and advanced civilizations in pre-Columbian America. The Inca Empire was known for its vast territorial expansion, sophisticated agricultural practices, impressive architectural achievements, and an extensive road system that facilitated trade and communication across the Andean mountains.

Francisco Pizarro, a Spanish conquistador, led the expedition that ultimately resulted in the fall of the Inca Empire in the 16th century. Pizarro took advantage of internal conflict within the Inca society, notably between rival factions, to capture the Inca leader Atahualpa. Following Atahualpa's execution, Pizarro and his men systematically dismantled the Inca political and social structures, leading to the Spanish colonization of the region.

In contrast, the Aztecs were based in present-day Mexico and were conquered by Hernán Cortés; the Sioux are a group of Native American tribes located primarily in North America, and the Hopewell were known for their mound-building culture in the eastern and midwestern United States. The identification of the Inca as the correct answer is rooted in their geographical location, historical timeline, and the specific actions taken by Pizarro during the conquest