Which were reasons the Inca empire fell?
Options:
Spanish conquest, natural disaster, disease
American conquest, natural disaster, war
Disease, civil war, Spanish conquest
Civil war, British conquest, natural disaster
The reasons for the fall of the Inca Empire were:
1. Spanish Conquest: One of the primary reasons for the downfall of the Inca Empire was the Spanish conquest led by Francisco Pizarro during the 16th century. The superior military technology and tactics of the Spanish conquistadors overwhelmed the Inca forces.
2. Disease: The Inca Empire was heavily impacted by diseases brought by the Spanish conquistadors, such as smallpox. These diseases spread rapidly among the indigenous population, who had no immunity, resulting in a significant decline in population and weakening of the empire.
3. Civil War: The Inca Empire was also weakened by a civil war known as the Inca Civil War. It was a power struggle between two brothers, Atahualpa and Huáscar, who fought for control over the vast empire. This internal conflict further weakened the empire, making it more susceptible to external threats.
Therefore, the correct option is: Disease, civil war, Spanish conquest.
The reasons for the fall of the Inca Empire were a combination of factors. Specifically, the most accurate option among the ones you provided would be "Disease, civil war, Spanish conquest."
To understand this, let's go through each option and analyze its accuracy:
1. Spanish conquest: This is one of the primary reasons for the downfall. The arrival of the Spanish conquistadors, led by Francisco Pizarro, brought about significant military power, advanced weaponry, and superior military tactics. The Incas were not prepared to face such a formidable force, leading to their defeat and the ultimate collapse of their empire.
2. Natural disaster: While natural disasters and environmental challenges are a part of any civilization's history, they were not the main cause of the fall of the Inca Empire. Although events like earthquakes and floods occurred in the region, they did not contribute significantly to the downfall of the empire.
3. Disease: This factor played a crucial role in the decline of the Inca Empire. The arrival of the Spanish also introduced various diseases, such as smallpox and measles, to which the Incas had no immunity. These epidemics decimated the native population, leading to a significant decrease in their military strength and social cohesion.
4. American conquest: It is important to note that the Inca Empire was not conquered by any other indigenous civilization from the Americas. The empire was already well-established and effectively controlled much of South America, making the possibility of an "American conquest" unlikely.
5. War: While warfare was a part of the Inca Empire's history, it was not the sole or primary cause of its collapse. However, internal conflicts and civil wars did weaken the empire and strain its resources, making it more vulnerable to external threats like the Spanish conquest.
6. Civil war: Internal strife and power struggles were prevalent in the later years of the empire. Following the death of the Inca ruler Huayna Capac, a succession dispute broke out among his sons, resulting in a destructive civil war between Atahualpa and Huascar. This internal conflict weakened the strength and unity of the empire, leaving it susceptible to external invasions.
Considering all these factors, the most accurate reason for the fall of the Inca Empire would be "Disease, civil war, Spanish conquest." The introduction of diseases, internal conflicts, and the overwhelming military power of the Spanish conquistadors ultimately led to the downfall of one of the greatest pre-Columbian civilizations.