Spain’s Conquest in the Americas Spanish conquistadors, trained for war after the long conflict with the Moors, set out to conquer the Americas after Columbus’s discoveries. They came to control the Caribbean islands, Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America. 1 of 3 European Expansion in the Americas and Africa Section 1: Conquest in the Americas The Spanish Conquest of Mexico Hernán Cortés and hundreds of soldiers arrived in Mexico in They sought the riches of the Aztec empire. After an initial welcome, the Aztec soon became hostile. Cortés built a larger army with the help of Native American enemies of the Aztecs, and he conquered the Aztecs in 1521.

The Spanish Conquest of Peru In 1532, Francisco Pizarro and fewer than 200 soldiers overwhelmed the Inca with their guns and horses. They kidnapped Inca leader Atahualpa and killed him even after his ransom had been paid. 2 of 3 European Expansion in the Americas and Africa Section 1: Conquest in the Americas Section Reading Support Transparency

European Expansion in the Americans and Africa: Section 1 Section Reading Support Transparency 3 of 3