according to this excerpt the text which was the most significant factor in the spanish conquest of the aztecs and incas?
armor
disease
guns
horses
guns
According to the excerpt, the most significant factor in the Spanish conquest of the Aztecs and Incas was disease.
According to the given options, the most significant factor in the Spanish conquest of the Aztecs and Incas was disease.
To arrive at this answer, we can examine each of the options and consider their impact on the conquest:
1. Armor: While armor definitely provided a tactical advantage to the Spanish conquistadors, it was not the most significant factor in their success. The Aztecs and Incas also had their own forms of armor, and the introduction of Spanish armor was not a game-changer in the conquest.
2. Guns: Guns, specifically arquebuses and muskets, were indeed utilized by the Spanish conquistadors and played a role in their military superiority. However, it was not the decisive factor as guns were relatively primitive at that time and did not provide a significant advantage over the numerical superiority of the indigenous forces.
3. Horses: The introduction of horses certainly gave the Spanish conquistadors an advantage in terms of mobility, shock value, and intimidation. However, the Aztecs and Incas eventually adapted and learned how to counter the use of horses effectively.
4. Disease: Disease, particularly smallpox, had a devastating impact on the Aztecs and Incas. The indigenous populations had no immunity to European diseases, which led to widespread outbreaks and the decimation of their societies. This resulted in weakened and vulnerable populations, making it easier for the Spanish conquistadors to conquer them.
Considering these factors, disease had the most significant impact on the Spanish conquest of the Aztecs and Incas. The introduction of European diseases and their devastating effects on the indigenous populations ultimately facilitated the Spanish conquest.