Factors behind the conquest of the Aztecs and the Inca empires

Essay , 2020 , 6 Pages , Grade: B

History - World history

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

• Factors behind the Subjugation of the Aztecs and Inca Empires by the Spanish Conquistadores
• The Amazement of the Aztecs
• The First Encounter of the Aztecs and Inca with the Spanish
• The Political Structure of the Aztecs and Inca Empires
• The Advanced Weapons and Fighting Arrangements of the Spanish Conquistadores
• The Intelligence and Superior Thinking of Cortes
• The Spread of Fatal Diseases

Objectives and Key Themes

This essay aims to examine the historical factors that led to the subjugation of the Aztec and Inca empires by the Spanish conquistadores. It explores the reasons for the Aztecs' and Incas' vulnerability to the Spanish, analyzing their cultural beliefs, political structures, military capabilities, and the role of disease in their downfall.

• The role of cultural beliefs in shaping the Aztecs' perception of the Spanish conquistadores.
• The impact of the initial encounters between the Aztecs/Incas and the Spanish on their subsequent relationship.
• The influence of political structures and social hierarchies on the ability of the Aztec and Inca empires to resist Spanish conquest.
• The strategic advantage of the Spanish conquistadores in terms of weaponry, military tactics, and leadership.
• The devastating effects of disease, particularly smallpox, on the indigenous populations of the Americas.

Chapter Summaries

• The first chapter explores the Aztec belief that the Spanish conquistadores were gods, highlighting how this misperception contributed to their initial vulnerability.
• The second chapter examines the first encounter between the Aztecs and Incas and the Spanish, emphasizing the lack of resistance from the indigenous populations.
• The third chapter delves into the internal divisions and political structures within the Aztec and Inca empires, explaining how these factors facilitated Spanish conquest.
• The fourth chapter analyzes the Spanish conquistadores' superior weaponry and military tactics, particularly their use of horses and dogs in warfare.
• The fifth chapter focuses on the role of Cortes' intelligence and military skills in outmaneuvering the Aztecs and establishing Spanish dominance.
• The sixth chapter discusses the devastating impact of diseases like smallpox on the indigenous populations of the Americas, contributing significantly to their weakness.

Keywords

The main keywords and focus topics of this essay include the Spanish conquest of the Aztecs and Incas, cultural beliefs, political structures, military technology, leadership, and disease. These factors are crucial in understanding the reasons behind the subjugation of these two powerful empires.

• Course: History
• Grade: B
• Author: Lwandze Dlamini (Author)
• Publication Year: 2020
• Pages: 6
• Catalog Number: V1437000
• ISBN (PDF): 9783346992949
• Language: English
• Tags: Conquest , Aztecs , Inca, South American conquest , Conquistadors