Ethical Implications of the Spanish Conquest

Pizarro's conquest of Peru shares similarities with Cortes' conquest of Mexico, including exploiting alliances, internal conflicts, and technological superiority.

Pizarro's conquest of Peru differed from Cortes' conquest of Mexico by facing less organized resistance and benefiting from internal divisions in the Inca Empire.

Pizarro is often viewed as a villain for capturing and controlling the Inca Empire, breaking promises, and causing death and destruction.

From the Spanish perspective, Pizarro might have been seen as a hero for expanding Spanish territory, bringing wealth, spreading Christianity, and demonstrating leadership.

The debate about Pizarro's legacy is complex, with arguments focusing on his brutality and exploitation versus his contributions to Spanish power.

The Spanish used religious and cultural superiority to justify the conquest, believing they were bringing Christianity and civilization to the indigenous people.

The conquest led to the destruction of the Aztec Empire, loss of culture, and a devastating population decline due to diseases and oppressive Spanish rule.

Allied indigenous groups often found themselves under Spanish rule and exploitation after the conquest, despite assisting in the overthrow of the Aztec Empire.

The exchange of goods, diseases, and ideas between Europe and the Americas, starting with the arrival of Columbus and the conquest of the Aztec Empire.

The fall of the Aztec Empire marked a shift in global power dynamics, granting European powers like Spain access to resources and influence that shaped empires and colonialism.

Portuguese exploration in the 15th century led to the establishment of trade routes, colonization, and cultural exchange across the globe, significantly altering global power dynamics.

Technological advancements during the Age of Exploration, such as improved ships and gunpowder, enabled European powers to dominate trade, build empires, and suppress indigenous resistance, shifting global power towards Europe.

Both conquests involved similar tactics: alliances with indigenous groups, exploitation of local resources, and military superiority. However, Pizarro's conquest of Peru resulted in a longer and more arduous campaign, while Cortes' conquest of Mexico was faster and more decisive.