How did the introduction of diseases by the Europeans affect the Spanish conquest of the Aztec?
(1 point)
• Although diseases weakened forces on both sides considerably, deaths from illness were few.
• The spread of disease slowed the progression of battles between the Spaniards and the Aztec.
Indigenous Americans had not been exposed to the diseases before and their immune systems could not tolerate the illnesses, benefiting the Spanish forces.
After Aztec forces were weakened by disease, they joined with the Totonac and Tlaxcalans to fight against
the Spaniards
Indigenous Americans had not been exposed to the diseases before and their immune systems could not tolerate the illnesses, benefiting the Spanish forces.
The introduction of diseases by the Europeans significantly affected the Spanish conquest of the Aztec empire. The correct answer is that the spread of disease slowed the progression of battles between the Spaniards and the Aztec and indigenous Americans had not been exposed to these diseases before, which weakened their forces and benefited the Spanish.
To understand the impact of diseases on the Spanish conquest of the Aztec, it is important to consider the historical context. When Spanish conquistadors arrived in the Americas, they brought with them diseases such as smallpox, measles, and influenza. These diseases had previously spread throughout Europe and other parts of the world, but indigenous Americans had no immunity to them.
As a result, when the Europeans came into contact with the Aztec population, the indigenous people lacked the natural defenses to fight off these new diseases. This led to devastating consequences, as the diseases rapidly spread among the native population, causing widespread sickness and death. Many estimates suggest that the Aztec population was reduced by more than 90% due to these diseases.
The introduction of diseases by the Europeans weakened the Aztec forces considerably. Not only did many indigenous people fall ill and die, but their numbers were also diminished. This weakened their ability to resist the Spanish conquest. Additionally, the rampaging diseases created chaos and fear among the Aztec population, further debilitating their resistance.
On the other hand, the Spanish conquistadors, having already been exposed to these diseases, had developed some level of immunity. This gave them a significant advantage in battle, as they were less likely to become seriously ill or die from these diseases. The Spanish forces were able to maintain their strength and continue their military campaigns, taking advantage of the weakened and demoralized Aztec forces.
Furthermore, the introduction of diseases also caused political shifts on the Aztec side. The devastation caused by the diseases prompted some indigenous groups, such as the Totonac and Tlaxcalans, to join forces with the Spanish against the Aztec empire. These groups saw an opportunity to align with the conquistadors in order to protect themselves from the diseases and to fight against the weakened Aztec forces.
In summary, the introduction of diseases by the Europeans had a profound impact on the Spanish conquest of the Aztec empire. The spread of diseases among the indigenous population significantly weakened the Aztec forces, both physically and psychologically. This, combined with the advantage of the Spanish immunity to these diseases, played a crucial role in the success of the Spanish conquest.