SPANISH CONQUEST OF THE AMERICAS How did a small number of Spanish conquistadors conquer huge Native American empires?

The Conquistadors Spanish conquistadors invaded Native American populations throughout the Caribbean islands and soon moved inland. Like Columbus, the conquistadors forced the natives to find them gold and silver and convert to Christianity Two important conquistadors were Hernan Cortes and Francisco Pizarro...

Cortes arrived in Mexico with about 500 men. There were 200,000 Aztecs living in their empire’s capital. How could the outnumbered Spanish have defeated the Aztecs?

Spread of Disease The Europeans brought diseases (smallpox, influenza, malaria, yellow fever, measles and mumps) that the Native Americans had no immunities for (body’s resistance to a disease or virus). In 1492, there were an estimated 30 million Native Americans living in present-day Mexico By the year 1600, there were only 1 Million left!

Keys to Spanish conquest: Advanced Weapons The Spanish had advanced weapons, better armor and horses. They had muskets, but they took so long to load that they were not the primary weapon. Swords and wooden lances were used most effectively. From horseback, they were unstoppable. They wore steel armor from head to toe.

Spanish Boats

Rivalries between tribes There were many small independent tribes in Mexico and South America. Many of these tribes were rivals and were involved in constant battles. The Aztec enslaved many people and made them pay tribute. Cortez became allies with several tribes who helped him launch attacks on the Aztec.

Cortez’ Valued Ally Cortez met an Aztec slave girl named La Malinche or Dona Marina . Since she spoke both the Aztec and Mayan languages, she was valuable to Cortez. She acted as a guide and interpreter for the Spanish, and maybe even a spy.

Conversation between Montezuma & Cortes Through La Malinche, Cortes said the following: “Tell Montezuma that we are his friends. There is nothing to fear. We have wanted to see him for a long time, and now we have seen his face and heard his words…We have come to your house in Mexico as friends. There is nothing to fear.” Source: http://www.fordham.edu/Halsall/mod/aztecs1.asp

Cortes/Aztec God Returns The Aztecs viewed Cortes as one of their Gods returning for vengeance. Quetzalcoatl was said to be white- skinned with red hair and a beard, and it was rumored that he would return from the east in 1519. When Cortez arrived in 1519, many Aztec were terrified and viewed it as the apocalypse.

Quetzalcoatl In Aztec mythology, Quetzalcoatl “feathered serpent” was the God of Wisdom and was opposed to human sacrifice, which the Aztecs had practiced. He taught the Aztec how to cultivate corn and the art of astronomy. But he was betrayed by his brother and was forced to leave the empire.

Quetzalcoatl Human Form Serpent Form

Conversation between Montezuma & Cortes After meeting Cortes, Montezuma said, “This was foretold by the kings who governed your city, and now it has taken place. You have come back to use; you have come down from the sky. Rest now, and take possession of your royal houses. Welcome to your land, my lords!” Source: http://www.fordham.edu/Halsall/mod/aztecs1.asp

June 1521 After the Aztecs rebelled against Cortes, the Spanish left Tenochtitlan and Montezuma died. After a smallpox outbreak, Cortes and his men destroyed Tenochtitlan.

Which factor was most important? Based on the documents, answer the main question and support it with your evidence.