Here's why:
* Industrialization requires a complex set of factors: Industrialization is a multifaceted process that requires abundant natural resources, a robust infrastructure, access to capital, skilled labor, technological innovation, and a supportive political and economic system. These factors were largely absent in both the Inca and Chinese civilizations during their respective periods of pre-industrial development.
* Inca civilization: The Inca Empire thrived on agriculture and trade, particularly in the Andes Mountains. Their economy was largely based on labor-intensive farming techniques and the management of resources, not industrial production.
* Chinese civilization: While China had significant advancements in technology and a complex social and economic system, their pre-industrial society was primarily based on agriculture and artisan production. While there were important innovations, like gunpowder and the printing press, a full-scale industrial revolution was not achieved until much later.
Instead of promoting industrialization, mountainous topography posed significant challenges for both civilizations:
* Inca civilization: The rugged terrain of the Andes made communication and transportation difficult, hindering economic development and the exchange of goods and ideas.
* Chinese civilization: The mountainous terrain of China's interior presented significant challenges for agriculture and transportation, limiting the potential for widespread economic expansion and industrialization.
In conclusion, while both the Inca and Chinese civilizations developed sophisticated societies, mountainous topography did not play a role in fostering industrialization. Instead, the challenges presented by the terrain contributed to the development of distinct economic systems focused on agriculture and trade.