What had weakened the Incan empire before the Spanish conquered it
There were several factors that weakened the Incan Empire before the Spanish conquered it:
1. Civil War: The Incan Empire experienced a period of internal conflict and civil war known as the War of the Two Brothers. This conflict between two claimants to the throne, Huascar and Atahualpa, divided the empire and weakened it significantly.
2. Succession Crisis: The death of the Incan emperor, Huayna Capac, in 1527 also contributed to internal struggles for power and a weakened empire. Huayna Capac did not leave a clear successor, which led to rivalries and power struggles among his sons.
3. Disease: When the Spanish arrived in the Incan Empire, they brought with them diseases such as smallpox, to which the Incans had no immunity. The spread of these diseases rapidly decimated the indigenous population, leaving the empire vulnerable to conquest.
4. Internal Discontent: The Incan Empire was not universally accepted or supported by all the subject peoples within its vast territory. The Incans primarily ruled through a system of forced labor and tribute, which generated discontent among the conquered peoples. Many groups were dissatisfied with Incan rule and saw the arrival of the Spanish as a potential opportunity for liberation.
5. Military Strategies: The Incan Empire had a well-organized military, but it was primarily focused on defending against external threats rather than internal rebellion. This made it difficult for the Incans to effectively combat the Spanish invaders who brought advanced weaponry and military tactics that the Incans were not prepared for.
6. Conquest of Other Indigenous Peoples: The Incans had conquered and assimilated various other indigenous groups throughout their expansion. However, this conquest also led to the incorporation of diverse and independent peoples who did not have a strong allegiance to the Incan Empire. This lack of unity in the face of Spanish invasion weakened the Incan resistance.