Question

How were the great empires of the Americas – the Aztec and the Inca - affected by their initial contact with Europeans in the 15th century? Give a brief description of each empire before the arrival of the Europeans, and then explain how and why these civilizations changed as a result. (4 points)

a) The Aztec and Inca empires flourished with advanced civilizations, marked by intricate societal structures, complex economies, and unique cultural practices. The Aztecs thrived in Mesoamerica with a powerful capital, Tenochtitlan, while the Inca dominated the Andean region with their capital, Cusco.

b) The Aztec and Inca empires were primarily nomadic, with simple agricultural systems and decentralized political structures. The Aztecs relied on small-scale farming and hunting, while the Inca's economy centered around basic farming practices.

c) Both the Aztec and Inca empires were characterized by isolated, self-sufficient communities with minimal social hierarchy. The Aztecs, based in present-day Mexico, were known for their advanced understanding of astronomy, while the Inca, situated in the Andes, were skilled in terrace farming.

d) The Aztec and Inca empires were unaffected by European contact in the 15th century, maintaining their traditional lifestyles without significant external influence.

Answer 1

The Aztec and Inca empires were greatly affected by their initial contact with Europeans in the 15th century, leading to the downfall of these empires. The Europeans brought diseases, new technologies, and cultural practices that dramatically altered the social, political, and economic structures of the Aztec and Inca empires.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Aztec and Inca empires were greatly affected by their initial contact with Europeans in the 15th century. Prior to European arrival, both empires had flourished with advanced civilizations, complex economies, and unique cultural practices. The Aztecs thrived in Mesoamerica with their powerful capital, Tenochtitlan, while the Inca dominated the Andean region with their capital, Cusco.

After contact with Europeans, the civilizations of the Aztecs and the Inca changed dramatically. The arrival of the Spanish led to conquest, colonization, and the eventual downfall of these empires. The Europeans brought diseases, such as smallpox, which devastated the indigenous populations. The Europeans also brought new technologies and cultural practices that fundamentally altered the social, political, and economic structures of the Aztec and Inca empires.

The Aztecs, already weakened by internal conflicts and forced labor, were quickly conquered by Hernán Cortés and his Spanish forces in 1521. Tenochtitlan was destroyed, and the Aztec Empire was replaced by Spanish rule. Similarly, the Inca Empire faced conquest by the Spanish under Francisco Pizarro. The Inca ruler Atahualpa was captured and executed, and the Inca Empire was gradually assimilated into the Spanish colonial system.