How were the Spanish able to conquer two great empires with only a handful of soldiers?
First, the Spanish had superior military equipment. They were protected by steel armor and
had guns. The Aztecs and Incas relied on clubs, bows and arrows, and spears. Also, the
Native Americans had never seen horses. They were frightened by mounted Spanish soldiers.
In addition, the Native Americans did not fight as hard as they might have. The Aztecs
hesitated to attack at first because they thought the Spanish might be gods. The Incas were
weak from fighting among themselves over control of their government.
Finally, many Indians died from European diseases, such as smallpox, measles, and
influenza. Some historians believe that disease alone would have ensured Spanish victory
over the Indians.
8. According to this excerpt from the text, which was the most significant factor in the Spanish
conquest of the Aztecs and Incas?
armor
disease
guns****
horses
am i right
I agree.
thank you
You're welcome.
Although that is usually the answer considered correct I am not so sure. The firearms of that time were grossly inaccurate and took forever to load and clean. I would rather have a decent bow and a quiver full of arrows. The noise may have been intimidating and perhaps the armor stood up to arrows. My own guess would be that the Spanish diplomacy in getting tribes not in power to support them and in being trained in coordinated fire and horsemanship was important. Both in Mexico and Peru the Spanish were pretty sneaky. Moreover indeed disease was a major factor.
Do not forget this last sentence:
Some historians believe that disease alone would have ensured Spanish victory
over the Indians.