Conquest of Peru

Definition

The Conquest of Peru refers to the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire, which occurred in the 1530s and resulted in the fall of one of the most powerful pre-Columbian civilizations in South America. Led by Francisco Pizarro, this event was marked by significant battles, alliances with local tribes, and the exploitation of internal conflicts within the Inca Empire, ultimately leading to Spanish colonial rule over Peru.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The conquest began when Francisco Pizarro arrived in Peru in 1532, taking advantage of a civil war between rival factions within the Inca Empire.
2. Pizarro captured Atahualpa after luring him into a meeting under false pretenses, demanding a massive ransom in gold, which further demonstrated the Spanish strategy of exploiting existing conflicts.
3. Despite being vastly outnumbered by Inca forces, Pizarro's men had superior weaponry, including firearms and horses, giving them a significant advantage in battles.
4. The fall of Cusco, the Inca capital, in 1533 marked a turning point in the conquest as it symbolized the collapse of Inca resistance against Spanish rule.
5. The consequences of the conquest included massive social upheaval, forced labor systems such as encomienda, and significant cultural changes as Spanish colonial practices were imposed on indigenous populations.

Review Questions

• How did internal conflict within the Inca Empire facilitate the Spanish conquest?
  • Internal conflict within the Inca Empire was crucial for the Spanish conquest as it weakened their unified resistance. The civil war between Atahualpa and his half-brother Huáscar created divisions that Pizarro exploited. This disunity allowed Pizarro to gain support from certain factions that were opposed to Atahualpa’s rule and facilitated easier military victories against an already fractured empire.
• What strategies did Francisco Pizarro employ to achieve victory over the Inca Empire?
  • Pizarro employed several strategies to conquer the Inca Empire, including forming alliances with discontented local tribes who opposed Inca rule. He also used surprise attacks and psychological warfare to intimidate Inca forces. Furthermore, his capture of Atahualpa during their first encounter was a strategic move that demoralized Incan troops and disrupted their leadership structure, paving the way for further conquests.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the conquest of Peru on indigenous populations and Spanish colonial rule in South America.
  • The long-term impacts of the conquest of Peru were profound and devastating for indigenous populations. The imposition of Spanish colonial rule led to widespread exploitation, including forced labor under systems like encomienda and significant demographic decline due to disease and violence. Culturally, there was a forced assimilation into European customs and religion, drastically altering indigenous societies. The political landscape also shifted dramatically as Spain established a colonial administration that disregarded traditional structures of governance among indigenous groups.

Related terms

Inca Empire: A vast empire in South America that flourished prior to European contact, known for its advanced agricultural practices, extensive road systems, and impressive architectural achievements.

Francisco Pizarro: The Spanish conquistador who led the expedition that conquered the Inca Empire, seizing its wealth and claiming the territory for Spain.

Atahualpa: The last sovereign emperor of the Inca Empire, who was captured and executed by Pizarro during the conquest, marking a pivotal moment in the fall of Inca power.