How did the aztecs increase their economic growth after conquering territories? 1. they removed existing rulers from the conquered lands to ensure they had direct control of their enemies' trade routes. 2. they forced all the people they conquered to trade directly with them, increasing their wealth from the sale of additional goods. 3. they took all conquered people as prisoners and forced them to work as slaves on public works projects. 4. the tribute demanded from conquered peoples provided warriors for defense, as well as food and resources for their own people.