Final answer:
The Spanish and Portuguese empires gained control of Central and South America through military conquest, colonization, and alliances with indigenous peoples.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Spanish and Portuguese empires gained control of Central and South America through a combination of military conquest, colonization, and alliances with indigenous peoples. They used their superior military technology, such as firearms and horses, to defeat native armies and establish control over the region. They also established colonies and brought settlers to cultivate land and exploit resources, which further solidified their control.
For example, the Spanish conquistadors, led by figures like Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizarro, conquered major indigenous empires in present-day Mexico and Peru respectively. They utilized advanced weaponry, diseases brought from Europe, and divisions among the native populations to achieve dominance.
In addition, the Spanish and Portuguese formed alliances with some indigenous groups who were disenchanted with their current rulers or saw benefits in aligning with the Europeans. These alliances provided the European powers with local support and allowed them to extend their control over larger territories.
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