AIM: How did the Conquistadors conquer the Aztecs
& Incas?
Do Now: Complete document #1 on the handout.
HW: Imagine you see a spaceship land in front
of your house and a Martian steps out. What
do you think? How do you feel?
Take me to
your leader!!
The Conquistadors
I.
Advantages for the Aztecs/Incas
1. Familiarity with geography.
2. Greater food supply.
3. Larger number of soldiers.
4. Rely on citizens  produce food, train soldiers, make weapons.
II. Advantages for Spain
1. Superior technology & equipment
A. Horses, guns & armor.
2. Alliances with conquered peoples
A. Had a common enemy.
B. Helped fight with the Spanish.
3. Disease  smallpox brought to South America.
III. Hernando Cortes
1. Conquered the Aztecs – 1519
2. Moctezuma  Aztec leader who was killed.
3. Motives  religion & wealth
IV. Francisco Pizarro
1. Conquered the Incas – 1532
2. Captured Incan Emperor Athualpa.
A. Incas collapsed with no strong leader.
3. Spain takes Inca gold.
The First Spanish Conquests:
The Aztecs
vs.
Fernando Cortes
Montezuma II
The Death of Montezuma II
Mexico Surrenders to Cortes
The First Spanish Conquests:
The Incas
vs.
Francisco
Pizarro
Atahualpa
*NOTES*
FRANCISCO PIZARRO CONQUERS THE
INCA (1532)
•Gained Native American allies
•Captured Altahualpa (Inca Emperor) after
slaughtering thousands of his followers
•Spanish demanded a huge ransom for the
ruler
•Incas paid it in gold, but Altahualpa was
killed anyway
•Despite resistance, Spanish gained control
of much of South America including Peru,
Ecuador & Chile
HOW DID EACH OF THE FOLLOWING LEAD TO
EUROPEAN INFLUENCE AND DOMINATION IN THE
WORLD????
GUNS:
Horses:
STEEL: