What had weakend the Ivan empire before the Spanish conquered it?

Answer 1

Several factors weakened the Incan Empire before the Spanish conquest:

1. Succession Issues: The empire faced succession problems due to the lack of a clear line of succession. This led to internal power struggles and weakened the central authority.

2. Civil War: The empire was engaged in a civil war known as the War of Two Brothers (or the Inca Civil War), which lasted from 1529 to 1532. The conflict erupted between two brothers, Atahualpa and Huáscar, who fought for control of the empire. This internal warfare severely depleted resources and divided the empire's military strength.

3. Disease: The Incan Empire was ravaged by diseases brought by the Spanish even before their arrival. Diseases such as smallpox, measles, and influenza rapidly spread among the population due to the lack of immunities. This resulted in a significant decline in population and weakened the empire.

4. Social Discontent: The Incas enforced their control over the vast empire through a labor system known as the mit'a. This system involved mandatory labor for state projects, which often led to resentment and unrest within the population. The discontent among various ethnic groups within the empire contributed to its weakened state.

5. Disruption of Trade: The Incan economy heavily relied on long-distance trade networks, known as the Qhapaq Ñan, to maintain its prosperity. However, internal conflicts and the disruption caused by the civil war led to the breakdown of these trade routes, further weakening the empire economically.

It is essential to note that all these factors, along with the technological and tactical advantages of the Spanish invaders, ultimately led to the conquest of the Incan Empire by the Spanish conquistadors, led by Francisco Pizarro, in 1533.