Conquest of the Inca Empire

Definition

The conquest of the Inca Empire refers to the military campaigns led by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro that resulted in the downfall of one of the largest and most powerful empires in pre-Columbian America during the early 16th century. This event marked a significant turning point in the history of South America, as it opened the region to European colonization, exploitation of resources, and profound cultural changes due to Spanish rule.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Pizarro's conquest began in 1532 when he captured Atahualpa after a surprise ambush, despite being heavily outnumbered by Inca forces.
2. The Spanish exploited existing rivalries among different indigenous groups, which helped them gain allies in their campaign against the Incas.
3. Pizarro's forces utilized advanced weaponry, including firearms and steel swords, giving them a significant advantage over the Inca warriors.
4. The capture and subsequent execution of Atahualpa in 1533 marked a critical point in dismantling Inca power and authority.
5. Following the conquest, Pizarro established Lima in 1535, solidifying Spanish control and initiating widespread colonization efforts in Peru.

Review Questions

• How did Francisco Pizarro's strategies contribute to his success in conquering the Inca Empire?
  • Pizarro's success can be attributed to several key strategies, including exploiting divisions within Inca society, such as rivalries between Atahualpa and his half-brother Huáscar. He also employed surprise tactics, using his small but well-armed force to ambush and capture Atahualpa. Additionally, Pizarro took advantage of superior weaponry and horses, which gave him a distinct military edge against the traditional Inca forces.
• Discuss the impact of Atahualpa's capture on the political structure of the Inca Empire.
  • Atahualpa's capture significantly disrupted the political structure of the Inca Empire by eliminating its leadership. His execution created a power vacuum that left the empire vulnerable to Spanish manipulation and further military actions. The loss of centralized authority led to internal strife among various factions within the Inca society, ultimately facilitating Spanish domination as they could exploit these divisions to establish control over former Inca territories.
• Evaluate how the conquest of the Inca Empire by Pizarro set a precedent for future Spanish colonization efforts in South America.
  • The conquest of the Inca Empire served as a critical precedent for future Spanish colonization efforts by demonstrating both the feasibility and profitability of subjugating indigenous civilizations. The vast wealth gained from Incan gold and silver fueled further expeditions into South America. The methods employed by Pizarro—using alliances with local tribes, military superiority, and strategic deception—were replicated by other conquistadors, leading to extensive colonization and profound changes to indigenous cultures across the continent.

Related terms

Francisco Pizarro: A Spanish conquistador known for leading the expedition that led to the conquest of the Inca Empire and founding the city of Lima.

Atahualpa: The last ruler of the Inca Empire who was captured and executed by Pizarro during the conquest, which ultimately led to the collapse of Incan authority.

Spanish Colonization: The period during which Spain established colonies in the Americas, significantly impacting indigenous cultures and economies through resource extraction and cultural imposition.