How did Pizarro's tactics differ from Cortés'?

Pizarro's tactics differed from Cortés' in that he relied more on surprise attacks and brute force.

Francisco Pizarro and Hernán Cortés were both Spanish conquistadors who led expeditions to the New World in the 16th century. However, their strategies and tactics varied significantly. Pizarro, who led the conquest of the Inca Empire in Peru, relied heavily on surprise attacks and brute force. He was known for his ruthless and aggressive tactics, often using violence to intimidate and subdue the native populations.

In contrast, Cortés, who led the conquest of the Aztec Empire in Mexico, employed a more diplomatic approach. He often sought alliances with local tribes and used these alliances to his advantage. He was also known for his use of psychological warfare, using the Aztecs' own beliefs and superstitions against them. For example, he exploited the Aztecs' belief in the return of the god Quetzalcoatl to gain their trust and facilitate his conquest.

Pizarro's approach was more direct and confrontational. His most famous tactic was the capture of the Inca Emperor Atahualpa during the Battle of Cajamarca in 1532. Pizarro invited Atahualpa to a feast, but it was a trap. The Spanish ambushed the Inca forces, capturing Atahualpa and slaughtering thousands of his unarmed followers. This brutal tactic allowed Pizarro to take control of the Inca Empire.

On the other hand, Cortés' tactics were more strategic and manipulative. He formed alliances with local tribes who were enemies of the Aztecs, using their support to weaken the Aztec Empire from within. He also manipulated the Aztec Emperor Montezuma II, convincing him that he was the god Quetzalcoatl, which allowed Cortés to take control of the Aztec capital without a fight.

In summary, while both Pizarro and Cortés were ruthless in their pursuit of conquest, their tactics differed significantly. Pizarro relied more on surprise attacks and brute force, while Cortés used diplomacy, alliances, and psychological warfare to achieve his goals.