Conquest of Americas GOD, GUNS AND GOLD World Civilizations Conquest of Americas GOD, GUNS AND GOLD

Conquest of the Islands of the Caribbean Following Columbus’ discovery of the West Indies, Conquistadors from Spain began flooding into the new world. The first people met by Columbus, the Tainos, were forced to convert to Christianity, and were effectively enslaved by the Europeans. They were pillaged, and forced to pan for gold Many died from diseases, such as Small Pox and Malaria, which they had no immunity.

Cortes In 1519, Hernan Cortes landed in Mexico, seeking plunder, and spread Christianity. He had @ 1,000 men, a few canon, seeking to discover gold and silver. He soon realized the land was controlled by the Mexica, or Aztecs. Their empire was made-up of several conquered peoples and a great capital city, Tenochtitlan. He found many of the Aztec’s conquered peoples hated their overlords, With the help of a Native Woman, Malinche, Cortes sealed an alliance with the enemies of the Aztecs.

The Aztec Emperor, Moctezuma, believed Cortes to be a god. He showers Cortes with gifts, and this spurred Cortes to further conquests. Initially, Cortes was invited into the city. Later Aztecs pushed out the Spaniards, and murdered their king, Moctezuma. Seeking further riches, in 1521, Cortes sacked Tenochtitlan, burning much of it to the ground, and damming the lake upon which it was built. Today, Mexico City stands on the old site of Tenochtitlan.

Pizarro The Inca empire expanded from Peru, through Bolivia and Columbia In 1532, another Conquistador inspired by Cortes, sought conquest. Francisco Pizarro came to the Incas after they had finished a period of civil war, and captured their leader, Atahualpa. He demanded a large ransom for Atahualpa, The Incas paid the Spanish to release their ruler, but the Spanish killed him anyway They stormed across Peru, and into the rest of South America, spreading Christianity, and adding much of South America to the Spanish Empire. Resistance continued and the Incas, constantly rebelled against their foreign oppressors, and sought to preserve their cultures.

Reasons for Victory 1.) Superior Technology Horses Guns and Cannon Metal Helmets/ Armor/ Swords

Reasons for Victory 3.) Disease (germs) Disease weakened and killed native warriors Psychological effects

Reasons for Victory 2.) Division and Discontent Natives infighting Old hatreds played against each other

Reasons for Victory 4.) Disasters Many natives believed that all of the disasters they suffered mean the end of the world was coming