FALL OF THE INCA EMPIRE
Learning objective(s):
Identify
the
impacts
of
the
decline of the Inca Empire.
Image:
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/58/60/68/586068ea642f6bbd9f1715cf8623b67e.jpg
Image taken from:
https://i.pinimg.com/564x/ae/eb/43/aeeb434252b74e3c1fe8f350e99a0453.jpg
THE SPANISH CONQUEST MARKED THE END
OF THE INCA ERA
In 1532, the Spanish conquistador
Francisco Pizarro arrived in the Inca
Empire with a small army of men. He was
looking for gold and silver, which he
believed were abundant in the Inca
Empire. Pizarro was determined to
conquer the Inca Empire and claim its
riches for Spain.
The Inca Empire was ruled by Atahualpa, who was the Inca Emperor at the time.
Atahualpa was not aware of the intentions of the Spanish conquistadors, and he
welcomed them to his kingdom. He met with Pizarro and his men in the city of
Cajamarca.
Pizarro took advantage of Atahualpa’s
trust and invited him to a meeting at the
main square of Cajamarca. Atahualpa
came unarmed and was taken captive by
Pizarro’s men. Pizarro demanded a ransom
of gold and silver in exchange for
Atahualpa’s release.
The Inca Empire was rich in precious metals, and Atahualpa’s ransom was paid
in full. However, Pizarro did not release Atahualpa and instead he had him
executed. With the death of Atahualpa, the Inca Empire turned into chaos, and
the Spanish conquistador took advantage of the situation to conquer the
empire.
The impact of the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire
The Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire in the 16th century
marked the beginning of Spanish colonization of South
America, and the impact of this colonization can still be felt
in Peru today.
1. One of the most significant legacies of the Spanish
conquest was the imposition of Spanish language, culture,
and religion. Spanish became the official language of Peru,
and it remains the dominant language today. Spanish
culture, including its art, literature, music, and architecture,
also had a significant impact on Peru.
The impact of the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire
2. Cultural disruption when the Spanish conquest led to the
destruction of Inca temples, palaces, and other
important structures.
3. Spanish Colonization which implied that the Spanish
established their own cities and colonies in the region,
and the Inca people were forced to work for the Spanish in
mines, farms, and other industries.
4. Loss of life since the Spanish brought diseases like
smallpox and measles that the Incas had no immunity to.
These diseases, combined with armed conflicts and
enslavement, led to a massive decline in the Inca
population.
The impact of the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire
5. A new Social System was born with lowest classes,
including enslaved people, poor Spaniards, native
people, and mixed-race groups, the middle class, like
traders and noble native people, and the upper class,
such as judges and wealthy traders.
6. The Spanish also brought Christianity to Peru, and the
Catholic Church became a dominant institution in Peruvian
society. The Spanish missionaries built numerous churches,
monasteries, and convents throughout the country, which
became centers of religious and cultural life.
7. The Spanish brought new technologies to Peru,
including
new
agricultural
techniques
and
irrigation systems. They introduced new crops, such
as wheat, rice, and sugarcane, which had a
significant impact on the country’s agriculture.
8. Finally, the European colonization of Peru
also led to the fusion of indigenous and
Spanish cultures, which gave rise to a unique
and vibrant cultural heritage. This fusion can
be seen in the country’s art, music, dance, and
cuisine, which combines indigenous, Spanish,
and African influences.
Reference: https://www.quechuasexpeditions.com/spanish-conquest-of-the-inca-empire/