What was similar about the conquests of Mexico and Peru?

- Technology and military tactics: Both the Spanish conquerors in Mexico and Peru had superior military technology and tactics compared to the native civilizations. They utilized firearms, cannons, and well-organized military strategies to gain an advantage over the indigenous armies.

- Native allies: The Spanish conquistadors were able to form alliances with indigenous groups who had grievances against the ruling civilizations in both Mexico and Peru. In Mexico, the Spanish allied with Tlaxcalans and other tribes who resented the dominance of the Aztec Empire. Similarly, in Peru, the Spanish gained support from various Inca rivals and indigenous nations.

- Political divisions and internal conflicts: Both the Aztec and Inca Empires were facing internal political divisions and conflicts at the time of the Spanish arrival. These internal weaknesses made it easier for the Spanish to exploit and divide the native populations.

- Disease: The introduction of European diseases, against which the native populations had little immunity, played a significant role in both conquests. Diseases such as smallpox and measles decimated the indigenous populations, weakening their resistance to the Spanish invasion.

- Surprise factor: The Spanish conquistadors took advantage of the element of surprise in both Mexico and Peru. The speed and audacity of their incursions caught the native civilizations off guard.

- Leadership: Hernán Cortés in Mexico and Francisco Pizarro in Peru were both skilled military leaders who demonstrated courage, strategic thinking, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

- Destruction of indigenous civilizations: The conquests resulted in the decline and eventual fall of the Aztec and Inca Empires, leading to the establishment of Spanish colonial rule in both regions.

Despite these similarities, there were also notable differences between the conquests of Mexico and Peru, such as the size of the native armies, the specific military tactics employed, and the geography of the regions.