In this deck, we'll explore how Spain consolidated its vast empire in the Americas between 1528 and 1555. We'll follow Pizarro's conquest of the wealthy Inca Empire, see how Spain established systems of government to control its new territories, and examine the huge economic impact of American gold and silver. We'll also cover the important debate about the treatment of Indigenous peoples, a key theme for your GCSE exam.

The Spanish conquest of Peru began with a stroke of luck for the conquistadors. When Francisco Pizarro made contact with the Inca Empire in 1528, it was in turmoil. The emperor, Huayna Capac, had recently died, likely from a European disease like smallpox that had travelled ahead of the Spanish. His death sparked a brutal civil war for the throne between his two sons, Atahuallpa and Huascar. This division was a critical weakness that Pizarro would ruthlessly exploit.

In 1532, having just defeated his brother, the new Inca emperor Atahuallpa agreed to meet Pizarro in the town of Cajamarca. Atahuallpa arrived with thousands of lightly armed followers, expecting a diplomatic meeting. Instead, Pizarro launched a surprise attack. With steel swords, guns, and cavalry, his tiny force of fewer than 200 men massacred the Incas and captured Atahuallpa. For your exam, the Battle of Cajamarca is a key example of how Spanish military technology and ruthless tactics overcame vastly superior numbers.