In the early 1500s, Spanish forces sailed across the Pacific and conquered the Aztec and Incan civilizations, even though the invading armies were greatly outnumbered by the indigenous population. This conquest was due, in part, to differences in technology and experience. Yet in the long term, Hernán Cortés' victory over the Aztecs and Francisco Pizarro's conquest of the Incas were the result of something that couldn't be seen by the naked eye. Superior
WeaponsSpanish weaponry was far superior to anything used by the Aztecs or Incas. Cortés and his men used over a dozen large portable guns, mainly for their shock value against the Aztecs. Pizarro's conquest of the Incas was also made possible by the use of gunpowder, a substance the Incas didn't have at their disposal. Even less sophisticated weapons like steel-edged swords, pikes and crossbows, gave Spaniards the upper hand. Alliances and
ExperienceThe invading Spanish forces also took advantage of internal divisions within the Aztec and Inca empires. As Cortés began his march into the interior of Mexico, he first battled many local Indians. However, these people would become his allies after learning of his plans to conquer the Aztecs who ruled them. Written accounts by Cortés and his men on how they achieved victory were then published in Europe. A dozen years later, these experiences provided both inspiration
and instruction to Pizarro in his conquest of the Incas. The Power of HorsesWhile Europe and Asia were home to most of the world's domesticable mammals, including the horse, the Incas in South America had only the llama, which is a not a load-bearing animal, nor is it capable of transporting human beings or being ridden in times of war. This gave Spaniards, with their history of horsemanship from years of cattle herding, not only a tactical advantage, but a
psychological edge over the Incan population, who had never seen this before. Deadly DiseaseThe invading forces' biggest advantage came from something microscopic in size: European diseases they introduced to the indigenous peoples of the Americas. It is estimated that up to 90 percent of the native population died from smallpox, measles and similar illnesses within the first decades after contact. This dramatic decline in the native population played a
large part in giving the Spanish invaders, who had developed immunity through generations of exposure, a complete victory. References Writer Bio Based in Southern California, A.T. Gardner has spent more than two decades writing articles, educational materials, video scripts and other content for corporations and organizations including The Walt Disney Company, TRW, Nissan and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). He has a bachelor's degree in
communications.
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1.
| Which factor most influenced the development of diverse cultures in pre-Columbian South America? (1) trade agreements (2) geographic features (3) imported religious ideas (4) peasant revolts
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2.
| One way in which the Aztec and Inca civilizations are similar is that they both (1) defeated the Spanish conquistadors (2) developed advanced architectural techniques (3) lacked strong central governments (4) settled primarily in river valleys
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3.
| Which geographic feature had the greatest influence on the development of the Inca Empire? (1) deserts (2) irregular coastline (3) river valleys (4) mountains
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4.
| Which statement accurately reflects population changes that occurred as a result of the Age of Exploration? (1) Most Latin American populations became more culturally diverse. (2) One third of Europe’s population died due to exposure to diseases from the Americas. (3) The introduction of goods from the Americas caused a decline in Asian populations. (4) Native Americans migrated to Africa causing increases in African populations.
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5.
| What was one reason the Spanish conquistadors were able to conquer the Aztec Empire? (1) The Spanish soldiers made effective use of their military technology against the Aztecs. (2) Aztec religious beliefs promoted nonviolence. (3) Spain joined the Incas in their fight against the Aztecs. (4) The Spanish cavalry outnumbered the Aztec warriors.
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6.
| • Spain mines silver in the Americas. • The Dutch establish a colony in Southeast Asia. • The English East India Company controls tea plantations in India. Which policy is most closely associated with these events? (1) pacifism (2) mercantilism (3) nonalignment (4) containment
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7.
| A comparison of the feudal system in Europe and the encomienda system in Latin America shows that both systems (1) awarded land to the elite (2) promoted religious tolerance (3) relied on global trade for goods (4) used a parliamentary system of government
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8.
| Which statement best describes a result of the encounter between Europeans and native populations of Latin America? (1) Native societies experienced rapid population growth. (2) European nations lost power and prestige in the New World. (3) Large numbers of natives migrated to Europe for a better life. (4) Plantations in the New World used enslaved Africans to replace native populations.
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9.
| The encomienda system in colonial Latin America led to the (1) use of forced labor (2) establishment of trade unions (3) increase in landownership by Native Americans (4) weakening of the power of peninsulares
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10.
| The struggles for political independence in Latin America during the early 1800s were most directly influenced by the (1) Berlin Conference (2) doctrine of liberation theology (3) American and French Revolutions (4) writings of Count Camillo di Cavour
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11.
| One effect of the encomienda system in Latin America was that it (1) eliminated the use of guilds (2) promoted isolationism (3) exploited indigenous peoples (4) reduced Spanish influence
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12.
| The social class system in Latin America during the 16th and 17th centuries reflects the (1) dominance of Spanish-born nobility (2) emerging equality between classes (3) influence of mestizo economic power (4) increasing social mobility of Native American Indians
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13.
| One way in which Toussaint L’Ouverture, Simón Bolívar, and José de San Martín are similar is that they (1) supported the Reconquista (2) led independence movements (3) fought for Native American suffrage (4) defended the encomienda system
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14.
| The Aztec use of the calendar and the Maya writing system both illustrate that pre-Columbian cultures in the Americas (1) traded extensively with Africa (2) flourished prior to European contact (3) declined because of invasion and disease (4) converted others to Islam
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15.
| Which event came first in Latin American history? (1) Panama regained control of the Panama Canal. (2) Simón Bolívar established Gran Colombia. (3) Fidel Castro became the communist leader of Cuba. (4) The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was signed by Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
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16.
| One way in which the ancient Inca Empire and the Roman Empire are similar is that both (1) fought rivals for control of the sea (2) adopted Christianity as the state religion (3) traded with other civilizations along the Silk Road (4) built a system of roadways throughout their empires
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17.
| How did the Inca adapt to their physical environment? (1) They built large fishing fleets to feed their populations. (2) They built footbridges that connected their roads across the Andes. (3) They established extensive trade agreements with Europe. (4) They raised cattle and horses on the pampas.
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18.
| Which social class controlled most of the political, economic, and social power in colonial Latin America? (1) peninsulares (2) mestizos (3) creoles (4) native people
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19.
| Porfirio Diaz, Francisco “Pancho” Villa, and Emiliano Zapata are best known for their struggles in the (1) Haitian independence movement (2) Mexican Revolution (3) Nicaraguan War (4) Cuban Revolution
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20.
| The use of the terms Encounter and Columbian exchange represents attempts to describe the (1) nature of cultural interactions (2) establishment of land grants (3) results of scientific innovations (4) origins of divine right theory
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21.
| “. . . (It) brought the potato, the pineapple, the turkey, dahlias, sunflowers, magnolias, maize, chillies and chocolate across the Atlantic. On the other hand, tens of millions died in the pandemics of the 16th century, victims of smallpox, measles and the other diseases brought by Europeans (and don’t forget that the African slave trade was begun by the Europeans, to replace the work force they had decimated).”. . . — Michael Wood, BBC History (adapted)
Which historical development is being described in this quotation? (1) establishment of the line of Demarcation (2) creation of the Hanseatic League (3) Columbian exchange (4) Glorious Revolution
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22.
| A study of the revolutions in Latin America in the 19th century would show that (1) religion was a major cause of the conflicts (2) Spanish-born peninsulares led most of the Latin American uprisings (3) nationalism had little influence on the outcome (4) events in North America and Europe influenced Latin Americans
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23.
| The establishment of a parliamentary democracy in India and the establishment of Portuguese as the official language of Brazil indicates that European colonizers (1) influenced the culture of regions under their control (2) respected the governments of the indigenous peoples (3) promoted Protestant religions over native religions (4) studied local traditions before implementing policies
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24.
| The destruction of the rain forests in Latin America is primarily due to the (1) diseases carried by insects (2) wildfires occurring during dry seasons (3) devastation caused by high winds during the tropical storm season (4) demand for timber, farmland, and grazing land
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25.
| Prices in Spain rose as colonies supplied large amounts of gold and silver. This suggests that Spanish imports of gold and silver led to (1) food shortages (2) unemployment (3) inflation (4) self-sufficiency
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26.
| One similarity in the results of the revolutions led by Fidel Castro in Cuba and by the Sandinistas in Nicaragua is that both (1) restored a monarchy (2) destroyed a theocracy (3) followed Marxist principles (4) protected freedom of the press
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27.
| The policy of establishing colonies to gain wealth by controlling colonial trade is called (1) socialism (2) fascism (3) mercantilism (4) communism
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28.
| Which statement demonstrates a major characteristic of mercantilism in colonial Latin America? (1) Colonies developed local industries to compete with Spain. (2) Spanish colonies traded freely with English colonies. (3) Spain instituted democratic governments in its colonies. (4) Colonies were a source of raw materials for Spain.
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29.
| The expeditions of Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizarro resulted in the (1) destruction of the Aztec and Inca empires (2) capture of Brazil by Portugal (3) colonization of North America by Portugal (4) exploration of the Philippines and East Indies
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30.
| Which type of warfare did Mao Zedong, Fidel Castro, and Ho Chi Minh all engage in as leaders of revolutionary movements in their respective nations? (1) guerilla (2) trench (3) unrestricted submarine (4) biological
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31.
| Simón Bolívar, José de San Martin, and Toussaint l’Ouverture are best known as (1) scientists who supported the heliocentric theory (2) leaders of Latin American independence movements (3) early Spanish explorers of the New World (4) communist leaders of the 19th century
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32.
| What was the primary economic policy used by the Spanish with their Latin American colonies? (1) embargoes (2) tariffs (3) boycotts (4) mercantilism
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33.
| • Maize and potatoes were grown in Europe. • Millions of Africans suffered during the Middle Passage. • Smallpox had devastating effects on indigenous peoples. • Spanish language is used in much of Latin America. Which global interaction is illustrated by these statements? (1) Silk Road trade (2) Crusades (3) Columbian Exchange (4) Scramble for Africa
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34.
| . . . Art. 31. All Indians held in encomienda by the viceroys, by their lieutenants, royal officers, prelates, monasteries, hospitals, religious houses, mints, the treasury, etc., are to be transferred forthwith to the Crown. . . . Art. 38. Lawsuits involving Indians are no longer to be tried in the Indies, or by the Council of the Indies, but must be pleaded before the King himself. . . . — New Laws issued by Emperor Charles V, 1542–1543 One
purpose of these laws was to (1) reduce local authority and increase central control (2) increase religious authority and limit secular influences (3) guarantee citizenship to Indians while supporting traditional practices (4) promote economic development while expanding political rights for Indians
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35.
| After contact with Europeans in the 1500s, millions of native peoples in the Americas died as a result of (1) new foods, which the native peoples could not digest (2) religious persecution resulting from the Spanish Inquisition (3) new diseases to which the native peoples had no natural immunity (4) slavery and the terrible conditions on their sea journey to Europe
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36.
| The encomienda system in Latin America was a direct result of the (1) Crusades (2) Age of Exploration (3) Reformation (4) Age of Reason
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37.
| In the 20th century, urbanization affected the developing nations of Africa, Asia, and Latin America by (1) reducing literacy rates (2) weakening traditional values (3) strengthening caste systems (4) increasing the isolation of women
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38.
| The Enlightenment and the American Revolution were both major influences on 19th-century uprisings in (1) Latin America (2) the Middle East (3) Vietnam (4) Japan
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39.
| One way in which José de San Martín, Camillo Cavour, and Jomo Kenyatta are similar is that each leader (1) made significant scientific discoveries (2) led nationalist movements (3) fought against British imperialism (4) became a communist revolutionary
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40.
| Which continent’s economic and political development has been influenced by the Andes Mountains and the Amazon River? (1) Asia (2) Africa (3) Europe (4) South America
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41.
| What was one effect of the Columbian exchange? (1) rapid decline in European population (2) economic instability in China and Japan (3) introduction of new foods to both Europe and the Americas (4) spread of Hinduism into Latin America
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42.
| Which problem has faced both Cuba and North Korea under communist rule? (1) Their monarchs have been ineffective rulers. (2) Their governments have played a limited role in the economy. (3) Their workers have called many strikes. (4) Their command economies have been inefficient.
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43.
| One way in which Ho Chi Minh, Fidel Castro, and Kim Jong Il are similar is that each (1) set up democratic governments (2) used Marxist political principles (3) overthrew a ruling monarch (4) promoted Confucian principles
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44.
| Which geographic factor had the most influence on the development of Inca society and Japanese society? (1) frequent monsoons (2) large deserts (3) mountainous topography (4) tropical climate
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45.
| One way in which Simón Bolívar, Jomo Kenyatta, and Mohandas Gandhi are similar is that each (1) led a nationalist movement (2) used nonviolent tactics (3) supported imperialism (4) opposed communism
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46.
| Kim Jong Il and Fidel Castro are 21st-century leaders who believe in the ideas of (1) Karl Marx (2) Adam Smith (3) Siddhartha Gautama (4) Jean-Jacques Rousseau
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47.
| One similarity in the leadership of Simón Bolívar and Jomo Kenyatta is that both leaders (1) promoted European control over the Americas (2) became religious leaders of their countries (3) controlled large areas of land in the Americas (4) fought for independence from European control
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48.
| Which nation had the most influence on the colonization of Latin America in the 1500s? (1) Spain (2) France (3) England (4) Netherlands
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49.
| Which problem faces many of the least developed nations today? (1) Too many varieties of crops are being grown. (2) An excess of investment capital is available. (3) High rates of illiteracy are limiting economic development. (4) A high-calorie diet is causing obesity.
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50.
| A major argument used to support the building of the Suez and Panama Canals was that these waterways would (1) shorten trade routes (2) strengthen command economies (3) increase competition for trade (4) promote the local economy
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51.
| • Buddhist temples are found in Japan. • Most Indonesians study the Koran. • Catholicism is the dominant religion in Latin America. These statements illustrate a result of (1) westernization (2) cultural diffusion (3) economic nationalism (4) fundamentalism
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52.
| Which technological advancement helped unify both the Roman and the Inca Empires? (1) astrolabe (2) road system (3) gunpowder (4) wheeled carts
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53.
| What was one similar goal shared by Simón Bolívar and Mohandas Gandhi? (1) ending foreign control (2) promoting religious freedom (3) establishing a limited monarchy (4) creating collective farms
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54.
| How do some Latin American governments justify the destruction of the rain forests? (1) Cattle raising, farming, and mining in the rain forest will help the economy. (2) Manufacturers no longer use the latex produced by the trees of the rain forest. (3) People who live in the rain forest are moving to the cities. (4) Drug trafficking will decrease when the protection of the rain forests is gone.
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55.
| • The Nazi Party controls Germany. • Khmer Rouge rules in Cambodia. • The Sandinistas control Nicaragua. Which statement describes a similarity in these situations? (1) Civil liberties were promoted. (2) Voting rights were extended to women. (3) Leaders won the support of all groups. (4) One group seized power and limited opposition.
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56.
| • Organization of American States (OAS) • European Union (EU) • North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) These organizations and agreements are examples of (1) political isolation (2) military alliances (3) regional cooperation (4) collective security
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57.
| One similarity in the leadership of Jomo Kenyatta, José de San Martín, and Sun Yixian (Sun Yat-sen) is that they (1) supported nationalistic movements (2) organized communist rebellions (3) opposed trade with other nations (4) established democratic rule in their countries
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58.
| Which geographic feature made it difficult to unify South America? (1) Andes Mountains (2) Straits of Magellan (3) Gulf of Mexico (4) Argentinian pampas
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59.
| What was a major cause of the civil wars in many Central American nations in the 1970s and 1980s? (1) economic differences between social classes (2) end of slavery in the encomienda system (3) rapid economic reform (4) oil production policies
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60.
| A study of Aztec, Maya, and Inca agricultural systems would show that these civilizations (1) relied on mechanized agricultural techniques (2) carried on extensive food trade with each other (3) adapted to their environments with creative farming techniques (4) relied on a single-crop economy
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61.
| Although Cuba has lost support from many nations, one reason Fidel Castro has remained in power is that he has (1) established free trade with the United States (2) opposed communism (3) prohibited the practice of Catholicism (4) raised the standard of living for many Cubans
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62.
| The archaeological evidence found at the Mesoamerican sites of Tenochtitlan and Machu Picchu suggests that these societies (1) consisted of hunters and gatherers (2) were highly developed and organized cultures (3) practiced a monotheistic religion (4) followed a democratic system
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63.
| The main purpose of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the European Union (EU) is to (1) increase the authority of the United Nations (2) encourage increased economic development (3) promote peace between nations (4) establish and enforce military alliances
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64.
| The Panama Canal and Suez Canal are similar in that both (1) shortened shipping routes between major bodies of water (2) were built by the British to expand their empire (3) replaced the Silk Road as the world’s main trade route (4) directly connected the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
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65.
| The astrolabe and improvements in cartography helped Europeans to (1) launch the Crusades (2) defeat the Mongols (3) expel the Moors (4) explore the Western Hemisphere
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66.
| One similarity between the Mongols of Central Asia and the Incas of South America was that both societies (1) developed cash-crop farming (2) based their wealth on the slave trade (3) adapted to difficult physical environments (4) practiced monotheistic religions
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67.
| “. . . Give Venezuela such an executive power in the person of a president chosen by the people or their representatives, and you will have taken a great step toward national happiness. No matter what citizen occupies this office, he will be aided by the Constitution, and therein being authorized to do good, he can do no harm, because his ministers will cooperate with him only insofar as he abides by the law. If he attempts to infringe upon the law, his own
ministers will desert him, thereby isolating him from the Republic, and they will even bring charges against him in the Senate. The ministers, being responsible for any transgressions committed, will actually govern, since they must account for their actions. . . .” — Simón Bolívar, 1819 In this passage, which type of government is Simón Bolívar proposing for Venezuela? (1) theocracy (2) monarchy (3) democracy (4) dictatorship
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68.
| Which concept led to the formation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the European Union (EU)? (1) nationalism (2) imperialism (3) interdependence (4) socialism
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69.
| What is the primary reason that increasing numbers of Latin American citizens have immigrated to the United States over the last three decades? (1) escape from the threat of communism (2) desire for religious freedom (3) fear of natural disasters (4) hope for economic opportunities
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70.
| In the 1990s, what was the most severe threat to the physical environments of Brazil, Costa Rica, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Zaire)? (1) spread of urban centers (2) nuclear waste disposal (3) increased immigration (4) destruction of the rain forests
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71.
| A direct result of the conquest of Tenochtitlán by Hernán Cortés in 1521 was the (1) expulsion of Jews and Muslims from Spain (2) establishment of Portuguese trade routes around Africa (3) fall of the Aztec Empire (4) conquest of the Kush Kingdom
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72.
| “Americans today, and perhaps to a greater extent than ever before, who live within the Spanish system, occupy a position in society no better than that of serfs destined for labor, or at best they have no more status than that of mere consumers. . . .” This quotation, written in September 1815, represents the views of (1) Martin Luther (2) Catherine the Great (3) Simón Bolívar (4) Adam Smith
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73.
| During the late 20th century, in which area did deforestation become a serious problem? (1) Great European Plain (2) Amazon Basin (3) Deccan Plateau (4) Great Rift Valley
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Why were the Spanish able to conquer the Aztecs?
The Spanish were able to defeat the Aztec and the Inca not only because they had horses, dogs, guns, and swords, but also because they brought with them germs that made many native Americans sick. Diseases like smallpox and measles were unknown among the natives; therefore, they had no immunity to them.
What was one reason the Spanish conquistadors were able to conquer the Aztec empire group of answer choices?
(1) The Spanish soldiers made effective use of their military technology against the Aztecs. (2) Aztec religious beliefs promoted nonviolence. (3) Spain joined the Incas in their fight against the Aztecs. (4) The Spanish cavalry outnumbered the Aztec warriors.
Why were the Spanish able to conquer the Aztecs quizlet?
Why were the Spanish able to defeat the great Aztec Empire despite their inferior numbers? It was because the Aztecs thought that they were gods so they would not harm them, the disease of smallpox was killing them, and they had better weapons like guns and steel swords.
What was one reason the Spanish conquistadors?
The Spanish Conquistadors had many goals, but the two primary reasons for conquering were to steal wealth for their country and to civilize the natives with religion—in particular, Catholicism.
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