This essay examines the historical factors that behind the subjugation of the Aztecs and the Inca empires by the Spanish conquistadors.
The Spanish conquistadors showed so much power and ingenuity by conquering one of the most sophisticated peoples of Latin America; the Inca tribe and the Aztecs. This peoples were known to possess skills both in warfare and hand to hand combat. However history has it that even though the Aztecs and the Inca empires were so much formidable, there were some factors which rendered them helpless in the face of the Spanish conquistadors.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction to the Spanish conquest
2. Psychological impact and perceptions of the Spanish
3. Political structure and social hierarchy as factors of subjugation
4. Military technology and weaponry advantages
5. Organization in warfare and leadership intelligence
6. The role of fatal diseases in the collapse of empires
7. Conclusion on the factors of subjugation
Objectives and Themes
The primary objective of this work is to examine the historical factors that facilitated the subjugation of the Aztec and Inca empires by the Spanish conquistadores, focusing on how these civilizations were overcome despite their profound military and societal sophistication.
- The psychological impact of Spanish arrival and perceived divinity.
- Internal political divisions and social hierarchies within indigenous empires.
- Technological disparities, specifically regarding weaponry and cavalry.
- The role of foreign diseases in devastating indigenous populations.
- The strategic, manipulative intelligence of leaders such as Hernan Cortes.
Excerpt from the book
The first notable factor behind the subjugation of the Aztecs was the fact that they were so amazed by the way this conquistadores looked, they thought they were gods which were promised to them that would one day come. As a result, unaware that this people were actually humans who came to subjugate them. This is proven by Curry who states that the Aztecs believed that the god Quetzalcoatl had sailed east to join the sun god, warning that he would return to Quetzalcoatl’s name day to reclaim his kingdom. The Aztecs believed that this would occur in the year one reed, which happened to be 1519, and that the god could take many forms including that one of a paled skin, bearded man. As a result when the Aztecs saw this men who were white and had beards they ran away thinking that the god have returned to reclaim his land, thus giving the conquistadores an easy way in.
The first reaction the Aztecs and the Inca showed when they had their encounter with the Spanish conquistadores proved to play a very important role to their subjugation. McAlister points out that “they called their Island Guanahani. Seeing the approach of three monsters from the sea they ran into the forest… the Europeans offered them gifts and they reciprocated by giving back Parrots and speared, and the Europeans marvelled at their generosity and innocence. The Amerindians showed offered no resistance in their first encounter with the Spaniards which was their first sign of weakness as they proved to be vulnerable to the eyes of the conquistadores.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction to the Spanish conquest: This chapter provides an overview of the formidable nature of the Aztec and Inca empires and identifies the research focus on the factors leading to their eventual subjugation.
2. Psychological impact and perceptions of the Spanish: This section explores how the misconception that the Spaniards were returning gods facilitated their initial entry and unhindered approach.
3. Political structure and social hierarchy as factors of subjugation: The author analyzes how internal societal divisions and tribal resentments led to local collaborations with the Spanish against established empires.
4. Military technology and weaponry advantages: This chapter discusses the critical role of horses, mastiff dogs, and superior arms in shifting the balance of power during direct combat.
5. Organization in warfare and leadership intelligence: Focuses on the multipurpose organizational structure of the Spanish forces and the strategic, often ruthless, decision-making of Hernan Cortes.
6. The role of fatal diseases in the collapse of empires: Examines how the introduction of smallpox and measles devastated populations, killing warriors and leaders alike, and stripped the societies of their will to resist.
7. Conclusion on the factors of subjugation: Summarizes that the loss of the Aztec and Inca empires resulted from a combination of superior military technology, psychological warfare, and overwhelming health crises.
Keywords
Spanish conquistadores, Aztecs, Inca, Hernan Cortes, subjugation, colonialism, psychological warfare, smallpox, weaponry, military intelligence, political structure, indigenous resistance, 1519, epidemic, Latin America
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this research paper?
The paper examines the historical, social, and biological factors that allowed Spanish conquistadores to successfully conquer the sophisticated Aztec and Inca empires.
What are the primary factors identified as causes for the fall of these empires?
Key factors include psychological manipulation, local political divisions, superior European military technology, and the catastrophic impact of imported diseases.
What is the main research question regarding the subjugation?
The research seeks to understand why these formidable empires, known for their own martial prowess, ultimately became helpless against the Spanish expedition forces.
Which scientific/historical method is applied in this analysis?
The author employs a historical analysis method, synthesizing evidence from multiple primary and secondary sources to illustrate military strategies and societal vulnerabilities.
What does the main body of the text cover?
The main body covers the perceived divinity of the Spaniards, the internal tribal conflicts, the role of horses and weapons, the leadership traits of Cortes, and the demographic collapse due to disease.
By which primary keywords can this research be categorized?
The research is categorized by keywords such as conquistadores, Aztec, Inca, psychological warfare, colonialism, and military technology.
How did the perception of the Spaniards as gods specifically impact the conquest?
The belief that the Spanish were an awaited deity (Quetzalcoatl) caused indigenous defenders to hesitate, thereby granting the invaders an unprecedented initial strategic advantage.
What specific role did diseases play compared to military action?
While military action facilitated direct combat victories, the imported diseases acted as a devastating force that killed indiscriminately, significantly reducing the indigenous population's capacity and desire for future resistance.
- Quote paper
- Lwandze Dlamini (Author), 2020, Factors behind the conquest of the Aztecs and the Inca empires, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1437000
