Spanish Conquests and Their Impact on Indigenous Societies

The video explores the Spanish exploration of the New World, starting with the voyages across the Atlantic in search of gold and glory. It highlights Vasco Núñez de Balboa's discovery of the Pacific Ocean in 1513 and Hernan Cortes' conquest of the Aztec capital with the help of indigenous allies. The narrative continues with Francisco Pizarro's brutal conquest of the Inca Empire, emphasizing the devastating impact of diseases like smallpox brought by the Europeans, which decimated native populations.

What were the primary motivations for Spanish explorers crossing the Atlantic?

• To seek gold, personal glory, and spread Catholicism

• To find new lands for settlement

• To establish trade routes with Asia

• To escape political unrest in Spain

Who was the first European to see the Pacific Ocean?

• Christopher Columbus

• Hernan Cortes

• Francisco Pizarro

• Vasco Núñez de Balboa

How did Hernan Cortes manage to conquer the Aztec capital?

• By using advanced weaponry

• By receiving reinforcements from Spain

• By forming alliances with rebellious tribes

• By negotiating a peace treaty

What was a key factor in Cortes's success against the Aztecs?

• His large army

• His strategic use of horses

• His alliances with indigenous groups

• His superior naval fleet

What tactic did Francisco Pizarro use to conquer the Inca Empire?

• He kidnapped the Incan King and demanded a ransom

• He used advanced European technology

• He launched a surprise attack on the capital

• He formed alliances with local tribes

What happened to the Incan King after the ransom was paid?

• He was imprisoned for life

• He was executed by Pizarro

• He was released and returned to power

• He was exiled to a distant land

What was more devastating to the native populations than Spanish weapons?

• Internal conflicts

• Natural disasters

• European diseases

• Famine

What percentage of the native populations in the Americas was wiped out by disease?

• 50%

• 90%

• 30%

• 70%

Which disease was particularly devastating to the native populations?

• Smallpox

• Cholera

• Influenza

• Malaria