1. Technology: The Spaniards had a significant technological advantage over the Incas. They possessed advanced weapons, such as firearms, cannons, and steel swords, which were far more effective than the weapons used by the Incas. Additionally, the Spaniards had horses, which gave them greater mobility and allowed them to cover large distances quickly.
2. Disease: The arrival of the Spaniards brought with it devastating diseases, such as smallpox, measles, and influenza, which spread rapidly among the indigenous population and decimated their numbers. These diseases weakened the Inca Empire and made it more vulnerable to conquest.
3. Political Instability: The Inca Empire was experiencing political instability at the time of the Spanish arrival. There was a civil war between two rival factions, led by Atahualpa and Huáscar, which weakened the empire and divided its forces. This made it easier for the Spaniards to exploit the situation and play one faction against the other.
4. Lack of Unity: The Inca Empire was a vast and diverse empire, composed of many different ethnic groups and languages. There was not a strong sense of national identity or unity among the different groups, which made it difficult for them to resist the Spanish invasion.
5. Strategy and Leadership: The Spanish conquistadors were skilled military strategists and leaders. They were able to exploit the weaknesses of the Inca Empire and use their superior technology and tactics to defeat the Inca armies. Hernán Cortés, the Spanish leader who conquered Mexico, also played a significant role in the conquest of Peru.
In summary, the Spanish conquest of the Inca kings and Peru was a result of a combination of factors, including technological advantage, disease, political instability, lack of unity among the indigenous population, and the skill and leadership of the Spanish conquistadors.
