Final answer:
One reason the Spanish conquistadors were able to conquer the Aztec and Inca empires rapidly is due to their superior military tactics and weaponry, unexpected allies, and the inadvertent introduction of smallpox.
Step-by-step explanation:
One reason the Spanish conquistadors were able to conquer the Aztec and Inca empires rapidly is due to several factors:
- The Spanish had superior military tactics and weaponry compared to the Aztecs and Incas. They were equipped with steel armor, steel swords, and had the advantage of attacking on horseback, providing them with significant advantages in battle.
- The Spanish found unexpected allies among the tribes that were previously forced to pay tribute to the Aztec and Inca empires. These tribes, such as the Totonacs, greeted the Spanish as liberators and joined forces with them against the Aztecs and Incas.
- An inadvertent introduction of smallpox into the Aztec and Inca empires caused devastating epidemics, resulting in the deaths of thousands of people. This weakened the empires and made them more vulnerable to Spanish conquest.