The assyrians used weapons to conquer the entire fertile crescent and part of egypt.

Iron

Explanation:

The Assyrians were the first to use iron weapons. Until then, weapons were made from bronze, which was weaker and brittler than iron. Unlike iron weapons, which were heated and hammered into shape, bronze weapons were cast, which made them less reliable. Iron weapons gave Assyrians a significant advantage compared to their opponents. Short ranged weapons they used included swords, daggers, javelins, and spears.

by improved communication.

a. by accepting the election of president abraham lincoln in 1860 and convincing other southern states to do the same