Why did Spain claim territory in the Americas?
Spanish explorers set off to claim land and treasure from the Incas and Aztecs. Hernan Cortes arrived in Mexico in 1519 with 600 Spanish soldiers. Cortes and his army put emperor Moctezuma in prison and started a war with the Aztecs. The Spanish had advantages like guns, swords, horses and steel armor. The Aztecs had no steel weapons or guns and had never seen horses. Cortez claimed the Aztec empire for Spain. Francisco Pizarro led 180 soldiers in South America to search for Inca gold. Pizarro tried to convert Atahualpa to Christianity and when he refused, Pizarro attacked the Inca. He killed Atahualpa and claimed the Inca’s land for Spain
Helpful links to learn more:
No comments:
Post a Comment