The Spanish Conquer Two Empires in the Americas

1
The Spanish Conquer Two Empires in the Americas

• In this lesson, students will be able to define
  the following terms
• Hernando Cortes
• Montezuma
• Reasons for the Defeat of the Aztecs
• Francisco Pizarro
• Reasons for the Defeat of the Incas

2
The Spaniards conquered the Americas for God,
Glory, and Gold.
3
God, Glory, and Gold

• The Spaniards conquered the Americas for God,
  Glory, and Gold.
• The Spaniards wanted to convert the Native
  American Indians to Christianity.
• The Spaniards wanted gold and fame.

4
In 1519, Hernando Cortes arrived in Mexico.
5
Hernando Cortes

• In 1519, Hernando Cortes sailed with eleven ships
  to the coast of Mexico.
• The Aztec emperor, Montezuma, initially believed
  that Cortes was a returning Aztec god and sent
  the Spaniards gifts.
• Montezuma let the Spaniards enter the Aztec
  capital.

6
Montezuma, the Aztec emperor, initially believed
that Cortes was an Aztec god. He let Cortes
enter the Aztec capital.
7
The Defeat of the Aztecs

• The Spaniards attacked the Aztecs.
• Within three months, the Spaniards defeated the
  Aztecs.
• The Spaniards had better weapons. They had
  cannons and guns. They also had horses and
  brought smallpox disease to the Aztecs.

8
In 1532, Francisco Pizarro attacked the Incas.
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Francisco Pizarro

• In 1532, Francisco Pizarro attacked the Incas.
• The Incas were fighting a civil war.
• Pizarro captured the Incan emperor.

10
The Incan emperor offered to fill a large room
with gold if Pizarro would release him.
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Atahualpa

• The Incan emperor, Atahualpa, offered to fill a
  large room with gold if Pizarro would release
  him.
• Atahualpa even agreed to be baptized in the
  Christian faith.
• Pizarro agreed to release him but once the
  emperor had filled the room with gold, Pizarro
  ordered the emperor killed.

12
The Spaniards used horses in their conquest of
the Incas. The Incas were terrified of horses.
13
Reasons for the Conquest

• There were many reasons why small groups of
  Spaniards were able to conquer two large empires
  in the Americas.
• The Spaniards had better weapons, cannons, and
  horses.
• The Spaniards also introduced smallpox disease to
  the Americas. This disease led to the deaths of
  many native people.

14
Questions for Reflection

• Who was Hernando Cortes and what did he do?
• Who was Montezuma and why did he allow Cortes to
  enter his capital?
• Who was Francisco Pizarro and what did he do?
• What was happening in Incan society prior to
  Pizarros arrival?
• Why were the Spaniards able to defeat the Aztecs
  and Incas?