1. Reasons for victory

2. How could a hundred European soldiers conquer huge Native American empires with populations in the millions?

3. Superior military technology was a key factor
Superior military technology was a key factor. The Spaniards’ horses frightened some Indians, who had never seen such animals. Spanish muskets and cannons killed Indian soldiers, while metal helmets and armor protected the Spanish from the Indians’ arrows and spears.

4. Division and discontent among the Indians aided the Spanish
Division and discontent among the Indians aided the Spanish. The Spanish won allies by playing on old hatreds among rival Indian groups. In fact, Indians provided Cortes and Pizarro with much of their fighting power.

5. Disease brought by the Europeans weakened the Aztecs and Incas
Disease brought by the Europeans weakened the Aztecs and Incas. As tens of thousands of Indians died, some of the bewildered and demoralized survivors felt that their gods were less powerful than the god of their conquerors.

6. Many Indians believed that the disasters they suffered marked the world’s end. To Aztecs, the destruction of Tenochtitlan signaled the end of the reign of the sun god.