Explanation:

Let’s break this down—Karl Wittfogel’s idea of hydraulic societies refers to large-scale irrigation civilizations, where control over water led to centralized, often despotic, states. So, which regions did he study?

- The Tigris and Euphrates (Mesopotamia): Clear fit. Lots of irrigation; one of his key examples.

- The Nile in Egypt: Yes—classic hydraulic civilization, according to Wittfogel.

- The Ganges in India: He did discuss India, especially northern areas with big irrigation networks.

- The Yellow River in China: Absolutely—another of his cornerstone cases.

- Around Mexico City (ancient Mesoamerica): Here’s the catch. Wittfogel didn’t include ancient Mexico (Aztecs, etc.) as a main example. That area had irrigation but didn’t fit his strict definition of an “Oriental Despotism”-style hydraulic state.

Let’s check the options:

- Option 1: 1, 2, 3, 4 — that lines up with Wittfogel’s big four.

- Option 2: Adds Mexico City; doesn’t fit.

- Option 3: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 — also adds Mexico City; so not quite right.

- Option 4: 1, 3, 4, 5 — skips the Nile, which is a clear hydraulic society.

The correct answer is Option 1: 1, 2, 3, 4.

What this really means is that the classic hydraulic societies Wittfogel talked about are in Mesopotamia, Egypt, India (mostly north), and China—not ancient Mexico. The Aztecs had water management but weren’t central to his model. So drop Mexico City from your list, and you’ve got it.