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The Spanish Conquer Two Empires in the Americas

In this lesson, students will be able to define the following terms:

Hernando CortesMontezuma

Reasons for the Defeat of the AztecsFrancisco Pizarro

Reasons for the Defeat of the Incas

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The Spaniardsconquered

the Americasfor

“God, Glory,and Gold”.

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“God, Glory, and Gold”

• The Spaniards conquered the Americas for “God, Glory, and Gold”.

• The Spaniards wanted to convert the Native American Indians to Christianity.

• The Spaniards wanted gold and fame.

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In 1519, Hernando Cortes arrivedin Mexico.

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Hernando Cortes

• In 1519, Hernando Cortes sailed with eleven ships to the coast of Mexico.

• The Aztec emperor, Montezuma, initially believed that Cortes was a returning Aztec god and sent the Spaniards gifts.

• Montezuma let the Spaniards enter the Aztec capital.

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Montezuma, the Aztec emperor,initially believed that Cortes was

an Aztec god. He let Cortes enterthe Aztec capital.

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The Defeat of the Aztecs

• The Spaniards attacked the Aztecs.

• Within three months, the Spaniards defeated the Aztecs.

• The Spaniards had better weapons. They had cannons and guns. They also had horses and brought smallpox disease to the Aztecs.

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In 1532, Francisco Pizarro attackedthe Incas.

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Francisco Pizarro

• In 1532, Francisco Pizarro attacked the Incas.

• The Incas were fighting a civil war.

• Pizarro captured the Incan emperor.

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The Incan emperor offered to filla large room with gold if Pizarro

would release him.

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Atahualpa• The Incan emperor, Atahualpa, offered to

fill a large room with gold if Pizarro would release him.

• Atahualpa even agreed to be baptized in the Christian faith.

• Pizarro agreed to release him but once the emperor had filled the room with gold, Pizarro ordered the emperor killed.

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The Spaniards used horses in theirconquest of the Incas. The Incas

were terrified of horses.

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Reasons for the Conquest• There were many reasons why small

groups of Spaniards were able to conquer two large empires in the Americas.

• The Spaniards had better weapons, cannons, and horses.

• The Spaniards also introduced smallpox disease to the Americas. This disease led to the deaths of many native people.

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Questions for Reflection:• Who was Hernando Cortes and what did

he do?• Who was Montezuma and why did he

allow Cortes to enter his capital?• Who was Francisco Pizarro and what did

he do?• What was happening in Incan society prior

to Pizarro’s arrival?• Why were the Spaniards able to defeat the

Aztecs and Incas?