The Spanish Conquest - 1711 Words

Although some may consider the fall of the Nahua and Inca empires an encounter of the Spanish, the meeting of the two cultures was a conquest because the Spanish brutally defeated and took over the indigenous cultures with the help of many advantages. There are three major factors which contributed to the successful conquest between the Spanish and the Nahuas, also known as the Aztecs, and Incas. First, the Spanish leaders had experience in forming alliances with indigenous people. Second, the Spanish had superior weaponry and military advantage, like steel, horses, and guns which made their weapons stronger and much more deadly. Third, the Spanish were physically capable of interacting with the indigenous people without suffering from†¦show more content†¦If granted, Pizarro would set Atahualpa free. After giving Pizarro the amount of gold he wanted, expecting to be freed, Atahualpa was strangled. From the Nahua perspective, they were clearly conquered because Tenochtitla n had been one of the most powerful cities at the time. Even though the boys were educated in battle at a young age and outnumbered the Spanish completely, they could not compare to the Spanish’s experience and advanced weaponry. Although the Spanish had many advantages and factors that aided their success, the Nahua’s impressive civilization was just too vulnerable due to their own emperor, Moctezuma, inviting the enemy inside their home; the Nahua were the weaker opponent. They felt betrayed by Cortà ©s, since they thought he was the long expected Quetzalcoatl. A feeling of betrayal especially arose after Cortà ©s conquered the Nahua after they had showered him in gold, lavish gifts and openly invited him and his men into the city. The Incas too, felt betrayed. After the Peruvian conquest, which started in Panama and worked its way down to Peru, the Incas were also brutally defeated due to their disadvantage of a broken civilization because of the civil war and bec ause of the infectious diseases that depleted the Incan population. Again, although the Spanish had many advantages that helped them succeed, the Incas were the weaker opponent, like the Nahua. The Spanish, of course, viewed years 1519 through 1521 as a conquest. With mostlyShow MoreRelatedEffects Of Spanish Conquest1298 Words   |  6 Pagesa twenty million prior to Spanish conquest (Marr and Kiracoffe 2000). These civilizations were also onlookers to one of the worst demographic tragedies in history seeing population losses of almost ninety percent, down to one million occupants a century after conquest (Marr and Kiracoffe 2000). These demographic tragedies were in the form of epidemics of both New and Old World origin and as a result of and major contributing factors to the success of the Spanish Conquest of the region. As the SpaniardsRead MoreHistory: Spanish Colonization of the Americas and Spanish Conquest1021 Words   |  5 PagesThe Conquest and Colonization of the Caribb ean and Yucatan by European, Resulted in significant cultural, biological environmental changes to both regions Maggie Jim Professor Ancient History [Date] 1. Briefly discuss (but in detail) the similarities/differences between the initial Spanish colonization of the Caribbean and the Yucatan. In your discussion include the initial reaction of the Taino and Maya to the presence of the Spanish and the rationalRead MoreHistory: Spanish Colonization of the Americas and Spanish Conquest1021 Words   |  5 PagesThe Conquest and Colonization of the Caribbean and Yucatan by European, Resulted in significant cultural, biological environmental changes to both regions Maggie Jim Professor Ancient History [Date] 1. Briefly discuss (but in detail) the similarities/differences between the initial Spanish colonization of the Caribbean and the Yucatan. In your discussion include the initial reaction of the Taino and Maya to the presence of the Spanish and the rationalRead MoreTaking a Look at the Spanish Conquest1313 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction: THE SPANISH CONQUEST of the Americas is an interesting story of exploration, wealth, greed, devastation and death. The Aztec civilization, which lived in what we know today as central and South America, began to come under threat from European explorers during the late 15th century. The Aztec civilization was one of the most spectacular in the world, and at its heart was the masterpiece of the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan. However, the prosperity and wonder of the Aztecs came to an endRead MoreThe Spanish Religious Conquest Of America1739 Words   |  7 Pagessociety today. The Spanish religious conquest was one of the first early history examples that played a big role in America. As soon as the Spanish landed in New Spain it changed the Native Mexican culture. The consequence of the spiritual conquest was the loss of the native people beliefs, buildings, and customs. However, the Native Mexicans did not respond well to the conquest, it caused them to rebelling against the Spanish, but with time they started to accept the Spanish ways. WhenRead MoreImpact of the Spanish Conquest on the Aztecs. Essay example1418 Words   |  6 Pagespracticed an incredibly wealthy lifestyle. Nonetheless, this rule began to deteriorate when Spanish explorers disembarked at Tabasco and Vera Cruz on April 21st 1519. When the Spanish voyagers first arrived, they were welcomed warmly, respectfully and received Godlike treatment. Montezuma, the ruler at that time, believed that the Spanish military leader, Hernà ¡n Cortà ©s, was the great god Quetzalcoatl. The Spanish took advantage of this Aztec belief and conquered Mexico within two years. By 1521, theRead MoreDiego Valesquez followed Columbus in the Spanish Conquest935 Words   |  4 PagesAfter Columbus arrived, Spanish conquest followed under the guise of Diego Valesquez, a move that brought on the eradication of the native Cuban population as a result of European diseases. The 1800’s brought on a large sugarcane industry in Cuba, which fueled the Africa n slave trade in the country. After Columbus discovered the New World, Spain immediately sent Diego Velazquez de Cuellar (not to be confused with Diego Velazquez the painter) to establish a Colony on Cuba, Baracoa(1511). A rapidRead MoreAnalysis Of Bernal Diazs Seven Myths Of The Spanish Conquest829 Words   |  4 Pages The Florentine Codex classily illustrated numerous battles and confrontations between the Mexicas, the Spanish, and other native peoples. The theme of miscommunication presented by Hernan Cortes is supported by Bernal Diaz’s account in Seven Myths of the Spanish Conquest. It is worth mentioning the fact that Bernal Diaz describes Spaniards going into Mexico under Hernan Cortes. The narrator describes these events as an eyewitness, who saw what happened and attempted to reveal the truth to othersRead MorePeru s Indian Peoples And The Challenge Of Spanish Conquest1422 Words   |  6 Pagestext, Peru’s Indian Peoples and the Challenge of Spanish Conquest, highlights from beginning to end Spain’s conquest of the Andean people while articulating the transformation of the relationship between these two peoples. He illustrates how Spain’s efforts toward colonialism of the Andes, transformed the natives from a self-sufficient group of people into an oppressed ca ste system known as â€Å"Indians.† Additionally, he introduces the idea that the Spanish needed to break the indigenous and gain theirRead MoreCortes Conquers the Aztecs: Spanish Conquest or Indian Civil War781 Words   |  4 PagesKristen Santoyo Chicano Studies 101 Tuesday/Thursday 9 AM Mid-Term Essay Question The Spanish conquests of Montezuma and the Aztecs were both a Spanish conquest as well as an Indian civil war. The thing that ties them both together is the Conquistador Hernan Cortes. You could argue for both sides as to which played a more significant part in the fall of the Aztecs, however, I feel they both played an equal role in the defeat of the Aztecs and the fall of Tenochititlan to the Spaniards. When