Advanced Placement (AP) World History Practice Exam

The conquests of the Aztecs and Incas by Spanish conquistadors were significantly influenced by the use of superior technology and the devastating impact of disease. The Spanish conquistadors brought with them advanced weaponry, such as steel swords, crossbows, and firearms, which provided a considerable advantage over the indigenous populations, who primarily used weapons made of stone and wood. This technological superiority allowed the Spanish to engage effectively in conflicts against the well-organized armies of the Aztecs and Incas. Furthermore, the arrival of the Europeans introduced diseases, such as smallpox, to which the indigenous peoples had no immunity. These diseases resulted in catastrophic population declines among the Aztecs and Incas, weakening their societies and military strength, making them more vulnerable to conquest. The synergistic effect of superior technology and the devastating impact of disease was pivotal in enabling the Spanish to overcome formidable empires like the Aztec and Inca. While the other options, such as trade relations or alliances with native tribes, did play a role in the conquest, they were not the primary factors. Alliances, for instance, facilitated some military victories but depended heavily on the already weakened state of the native empires resulting from disease. Religious conversions were not a major factor in