The Conquistadors: From Trade to Conquest

Mr. Mizell

EQ: Why and how did the Conquistadors conquer Latin America?

From Trade to ConquestSpain wants to colonize the new

world but first needs to conquer the nativeshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuD4vchi3h

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Motivation?Expand EmpireEmpire = prestige and powerGold, Silver, resources, etc…

The ConquistadorsThose sent by Spain to conquer parts of Latin America

Hernan Cortes and Francisco Pizarro

Hernan CortesLands in Mexico in 1519 which was ruled by the Aztec Empire

The Aztec Empire had 7 – 10 million people

Tensions rise and war breaks out – Aztecs defeated

Francisco PizarroLands in South America in 1532

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKeB82retLs

Fights the Incan EmpireBattle of Cajamarca

200 Spanish vs 4,000-8,000 IncasSpanish victory

Quick Story:Capture Atahualpa (leader)Room of Gold, two of Silver (17ft by 22ft)

How did the Conquistadors succeed?Weapons , armor (steel)Strategy – allying with other tribesGovernment of Aztec and Inca Empires

Top down leadershipGet rid of the Emperor and replace with Cortes/Pizarro

Disease – Measles, smallpox, typhus Killed off 90-95% of population

Taking the Resources

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnAxX5IcOOI

On a separate sheet of paper answer the following:1. How did the point of view of natives and their experiences differ from the Conquistadors?2. How and why did the Conquistadors conquer Latin America