Final answer:
The Spanish soldiers were able to defeat Native American armies many times their size through military tactics, alliances, and the inadvertent introduction of smallpox.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Spanish soldiers were able to defeat Native American armies many times their size due to several factors:
- Military Tactics and Weaponry: The Spanish soldiers had an advantage in terms of military tactics and weaponry. They were protected by steel armor, wielded steel swords, and had the advantage of attacking on horseback, while the Native American armies fought with bows and arrows and spears.
- Alliances with Local Tribes: The Spanish found unexpected allies in the tribes that were previously forced to pay tribute to the Aztec Empire. Some tribes, like the Totonacs, greeted the Spanish as liberators and joined forces with them.
- Introduction of Smallpox: An inadvertent introduction of smallpox into Tenochtitlan resulted in the deaths of thousands in the city. The Native American populations had no immunity to the disease, while most of the Spaniards were immune. This significantly weakened the Native American armies, allowing the Spanish to gain an advantage.