Francisco Pizarro

Definition

Francisco Pizarro was a Spanish conquistador best known for his role in the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire in the early 16th century. His expedition led to the fall of the Inca capital, Cusco, and the capture of the Inca ruler Atahualpa, which dramatically changed the landscape of South America and established Spanish dominance in the region.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Pizarro made multiple expeditions to South America, with his most significant one occurring between 1532 and 1533, which resulted in the defeat of the Inca Empire.
2. He formed alliances with rival indigenous groups to aid in his conquest of the Incas, highlighting his strategic approach to warfare.
3. Pizarro captured Atahualpa during a surprise attack, demanding a room filled with gold and silver as ransom, which he ultimately received before executing Atahualpa anyway.
4. Following the fall of Cusco, Pizarro founded Lima in 1535, which became a key administrative center for Spanish rule in Peru.
5. Pizarro's actions set off a wave of Spanish colonization across South America, leading to significant cultural and demographic changes in the region.

Review Questions

• How did Francisco Pizarro's strategies in forming alliances influence his success against the Inca Empire?
  • Francisco Pizarro's success against the Inca Empire was significantly influenced by his ability to form alliances with rival indigenous groups who were discontent with Inca rule. By enlisting these allies, Pizarro gained additional manpower and local knowledge that helped him navigate and exploit divisions within the Inca society. This strategic partnership was crucial in tipping the scales during confrontations, ultimately leading to Pizarro's victory over Atahualpa and the capture of Cusco.
• Discuss the impact of Pizarro's capture of Atahualpa on both the Inca Empire and Spanish colonization efforts.
  • The capture of Atahualpa by Pizarro had profound implications for both the Inca Empire and Spanish colonization efforts. It marked a pivotal moment in the collapse of Inca power as their leader was taken hostage, creating chaos and destabilization within their society. This event not only facilitated further Spanish advances into Inca territory but also served as a model for future conquests by showing how capturing local leaders could effectively dismantle established political structures.
• Evaluate how Francisco Pizarro's actions contributed to long-term changes in South America following the conquest of the Inca Empire.
  • Francisco Pizarro's actions significantly altered the trajectory of South American history through the establishment of Spanish colonial rule after conquering the Inca Empire. His founding of Lima as a colonial capital laid the groundwork for Spanish governance and further colonization across the continent. The repercussions included drastic demographic shifts due to European diseases, forced labor systems like encomienda, and cultural changes that blended Indigenous traditions with Spanish influences. These long-term changes reshaped social structures, economies, and political landscapes in South America well into modern times.

Related terms

Conquistador: A term used to describe Spanish explorers and soldiers who were instrumental in the conquest and colonization of vast territories in the Americas during the Age of Exploration.

Atahualpa:

The last emperor of the Inca Empire, who was captured by Pizarro during the Spanish conquest and executed after a failed ransom exchange.

Inca Empire:

A powerful and expansive civilization in South America that existed prior to Spanish conquest, known for its advanced architecture, agriculture, and centralized political system.