Why were the conquistadors able to conquer the Aztec and Inca empires so rapidly?

Answer 1

While the Spanish did have better weapons and horses, there were two other main things that allowed them to conquer the central American and south American civilizations.

For the Aztecs, one major thing that permitted them to be conquered was that they believed that Hernando Cortes was one of their gods returning to them, and so they did not challenge him until it was too late.

For all of the civilizations, the main thing that destroyed them was European diseases. The Central and South American civilizations had never been introduced to the diseases that were common in Europe and therefore, had no antibodies or cures for them. Millions of the Native people were killed of because of these diseases and it gave the Spanish a very large advantage.

Answer 2

actually smallpox was the main weapon in south America and the first use of biological warefare. without this the history would not had been the same to Hernan Cortez.

Answer 3

Because the Conquistadors had guns and the Mayans didn't.

Answer 4

The Spanish were able to conquer great civilizations because they had weapons, armor, and horses. The horses gave the Spanish a higher elevation.

Answer 5

European diseases brought about a severe drop in both empires weakening them. The Spanish also possesed superior weapondry and armor.