How did the Spanish ultimately take control of the Inca and Aztec Empires?(4 points) Responses The Spanish took advantage of civil war. The Spanish took advantage of civil war. The Inca and Aztec Empires eventually fell under Spanish control because the Spanish had superior weapons. The Inca and Aztec Empires eventually fell under Spanish control because the Spanish had superior weapons. The entire Inca and Aztec populations were killed by smallpox before the Spanish arrived. The entire Inca and Aztec populations were killed by smallpox before the Spanish arrived. The Spanish were welcomed and given slaves and riches.

Question

How did the Spanish ultimately take control of the Inca and Aztec Empires?(4 points) Responses The Spanish took advantage of civil war. The Spanish took advantage of civil war. The Inca and Aztec Empires eventually fell under Spanish control because the Spanish had superior weapons. The Inca and Aztec Empires eventually fell under Spanish control because the Spanish had superior weapons. The entire Inca and Aztec populations were killed by smallpox before the Spanish arrived. The entire Inca and Aztec populations were killed by smallpox before the Spanish arrived. The Spanish were welcomed and given slaves and riches.

Answer 1

1) The Spanish took advantage of civil war: In both the Inca and Aztec Empires, there were internal conflicts and power struggles among different factions. The Spanish exploited these divisions, forming alliances with rival groups, and using them as allies to defeat and overthrow the ruling powers.

2) The Spanish had superior weapons: The Spanish had advanced military technology, including guns, cannons, and steel armor, which gave them a significant advantage over the Inca and Aztec Empires. This superior weaponry enabled the Spanish to overpower and conquer the native armies.

3) Smallpox epidemic: While not the sole reason for the Spanish conquest, smallpox played a significant role in weakening and devastating the Inca and Aztec populations. The introduction of the disease, brought by the Spanish, caused high mortality rates as the native populations had no immunity to it, leading to societal disruption and making it easier for the Spanish to gain control.

4) Welcomed and given slaves and riches: In some cases, the Spanish were initially welcomed by indigenous groups who viewed them as potential allies against their own enemies. In the case of the Aztecs, they initially mistook Hernan Cortes, the Spanish conquistador, for the returning god Quetzalcoatl and treated him with respect and offerings. However, the Spanish ultimately double-crossed and took advantage of the hospitality, seizing control and exploiting the wealth and labor resources of the Empires.