The growth of empires is largely due to conquest.

• A. Conquest
• B. Diplomacy
• C. Religion
• D. Trade

Answer: (A)

Expansion of empires almost always begins with military conquest—the deliberate capture and control of neighboring lands and peoples. By conquering territory, an empire gains strategic depth, access to resources, and new populations to tax and contribute soldiers, which accelerates growth in power and influence. Once the land is under control, centralized administration, tribute, and the integration of conquered peoples help sustain and extend the empire further.

Diplomacy, religion, and trade can certainly support expansion and stability, or increase reach and wealth, but they usually serve as tools that complement conquest rather than drive the initial growth. Diplomacy might win allies or avoid wars, religion can legitimize rule and unify subjects, and trade can boost revenue and connections, yet without the ability to seize and hold new lands, an empire’s size and power remain limited.