The Spanish ultimately took control of the Inca and Aztec Empires for multiple reasons, including the use of superior weaponry, the impact of diseases such as smallpox, the exploitation of existing civil conflicts, and the reception they received from certain groups within the empires.
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Superior weapons: The Spanish had advanced military technology, including firearms and steel weapons, which gave them a significant advantage in battles.
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Impact of smallpox: Diseases brought by the Spanish, particularly smallpox, decimated the indigenous populations, weakening their ability to resist conquest.
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Civil war: The Spanish exploited divisions within the Inca and Aztec societies, taking advantage of existing civil strife (e.g., the Inca civil war) to gain allies and facilitate their conquests.
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Reception by locals: Some indigenous groups supported the Spanish forces against their rulers, hoping to gain favor or autonomy.
In summary, the combination of superior weapons, devastating diseases, internal conflicts, and the strategic alliances formed by the Spanish were crucial factors that enabled them to conquer the Inca and Aztec Empires.