The Aztec Empire was divided into two main factions, the Mexica and the Tepanecs. The Mexica were the dominant group, but the Tepanecs were still powerful and resented their subordinate status. The Spanish were able to exploit these divisions by allying with the Tepanecs and other disaffected groups. This alliance provided the Spanish with valuable allies and intelligence, as well as a base of operations from which to launch their attacks on the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan.
Incan Empire
The Incan Empire was also divided into two main factions, the Hanan and the Hurin. The Hanan were the dominant group, but the Hurin were still powerful and resented their subordinate status. The Spanish were able to exploit these divisions by allying with the Hurin and other disaffected groups. This alliance provided the Spanish with valuable allies and intelligence, as well as a base of operations from which to launch their attacks on the Incan capital, Cuzco.
In addition to the divisions within the Aztec and Incan empires, the Spanish also benefited from a number of other factors, including:
* Superior technology. The Spanish had access to guns, cannons, and other advanced military technology that the Aztecs and Incas did not. This gave them a significant advantage in battle.
* Disease. The Spanish brought diseases such as smallpox and measles to the Americas, which decimated the native populations. This weakened the Aztecs and Incas and made them more vulnerable to attack.
* Political instability. The Aztec and Incan empires were both in a state of political instability at the time of the Spanish arrival. This made it difficult for them to mount a unified defense against the Spanish.
The combination of these factors allowed the Spanish to conquer the Aztec and Incan empires in a relatively short period of time.