How did the conquest of the Aztecs and Incas unfold?

The conquest of the Aztecs and Incas unfolded through Spanish expeditions led by Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizarro respectively.

In the early 16th century, the Spanish, driven by a desire for wealth and expansion of their empire, set their sights on the New World. The Aztec Empire, located in modern-day Mexico, was first on their list. In 1519, Hernán Cortés led an expedition to the region. The Aztecs, led by Emperor Montezuma II, initially welcomed the Spanish as they mistook Cortés for a prophesied god. However, relations quickly soured as the Spanish showed their true intentions. Cortés formed alliances with other native tribes who were enemies of the Aztecs, and in 1521, after a two-year siege, the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán fell to the Spanish.

The conquest of the Inca Empire, located in modern-day Peru, followed a similar pattern. In 1532, Francisco Pizarro led a Spanish expedition to the region. The Incas were in the midst of a civil war, which Pizarro exploited to his advantage. He captured the Inca ruler, Atahualpa, and despite receiving a ransom for his release, Pizarro executed him. The Spanish then installed a puppet ruler, but resistance continued until 1572 when the last Inca stronghold was captured.

Both conquests were characterised by the use of superior weaponry and military tactics by the Spanish. However, it was not just military might that led to the downfall of these empires. The Spanish also exploited internal divisions and rivalries within the Aztec and Inca societies. Furthermore, the introduction of diseases such as smallpox, to which the native populations had no immunity, decimated their numbers and weakened their ability to resist.

The conquest of the Aztecs and Incas marked the beginning of Spanish colonial rule in the Americas. It resulted in the destruction of two of the most powerful empires in the New World, but also paved the way for the spread of European culture, religion, and language in the region. The legacy of these conquests is still evident today in the cultural and demographic makeup of Latin America.