Columbian Exchange, Spanish Exploration, and Conquest

AP US History· difficulty 4/5

The Spanish were able to conquer large American empires despite small numbers due to

  • A

    Pure military genius and superior generalship of Spanish commanders

  • B

    Naval dominance enabling continuous reinforcement from Iberian ports

  • C

    Numerical superiority over poorly organized Indigenous defenders

  • D

    Disease, indigenous allies, superior weaponry, and political divisions among natives

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Explanation

A combination of factors — especially smallpox and the willingness of indigenous groups (like the Tlaxcalans) to ally against the Aztecs.

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