The Fall of the Inca and Aztec

Columbus and his Impact European Kingdoms wanted to expand trade in Asia –Didn’t want to deal with Muslims –Began to send explorers to find sea routes there Spain was one of these nations –Financed Italian Columbus’ expedition to sail West Had no idea that N & S America blocked the path

Columbus and his Impact When Columbus hit land, he figured he’d reached Asia –Actually landed in the Caribbean Sea –called it Hispaniola Soon returned to Spain with Gold, Spices, animals and Captives –These impressed the Spanish

Columbus and his Impact Rulers were so impressed they financed another trip. –This time, it was to conquer –Columbus brought many soldiers, horses, and dogs The soldiers frightened the people of Hispaniola –The “Explorers” claimed the island for Spain –Enslaved the people on the island

Hernán Cortés Columbus’ voyages inspired others to travel to the “New World” One of these people was Hernán Cortés Came from an area called Extremadura –poor soil, many became soldiers instead –Many Conquistadors came from this area

Hernán Cortés Cortés takes part in conquest of Cuba –Given control of some villages as repayment Smallpox epidemic kills off many natives Cortés goes to Mexico to find more slaves and gold Cortés Encounters the Aztecs –Small army (under 600) –Used horses and guns to scare natives

Cortés & the Aztecs Invasion causes many tribes to surrender –Captures a woman, Malintzin, who serves as translator –Helps Cortés make alliances Spanish have the benefit of: –Weapons (& horses) –Alliances (w/ natives) –Germs (smallpox)

Cortés defeats Aztecs Aztec leader, Montezuma, afraid to attack Spanish –Thought Spanish might be Gods –As Spanish got closer, Aztecs decide to ambush them –Spanish learn of plan, and attack the Aztecs first –Take the Aztec leader hostage and take control of capital –Aztecs fight back, Montezuma killed in the rebellion Aztecs weakened by disease Capital destroyed

Francisco Pizarro The Spanish are looking for a city of Gold near Panama –Unable to find it, leader is accused of treason –Pizarro takes over the search Comes from Extremadura Pizarro comes into contact with the Inca –The Inca are already dying from Smallpox from the north –Also unable to drive of Pizarro’s small army

Pizarro & the Inca Pizarro takes small army (under 200 soldiers) up the mountains raids storehouses attacks Incan villagers –Atahualpa (Incan leader) thinks he can hold off the Spaniards –Pizarro had fought Natives for decades; was friends with Cortés Pizarro asks Atahualpa to meet –Brings 5000 bodyguards without weapons –Pizarro tells him to give up his Gods

Pizarro & Atahualpa

Pizarro Defeats the Inca When Atahualpa refuses, Pizarro’s army attacks –Captures A., who offers gold and silver for his freedom. Pizarro agrees After Spanish get ransom, they go back on their word –Charge A. with many crimes Sentence him to death Pizarro becomes Gov. Spain becomes first global Empire