What is a conquistador? What impact did conquistadores have on American Indian societies?
1 Answer
A Conqueror, a Spanish soldier and adventurer of the 16th Century.
Particularly those who conquered Mexico and Peru.
Explanation:
Conquistadors were particular noted for their aggressive dealings with Native Americans and being unusually greedy. Cortez and Pizarro were notable examples.
Though they had small numbers they were able to conquer the Meso-American civilizations by making alliances with local tribes, the introduction of European diseases, treachery, force of will. As well European horses, fighting dogs, gunpowder arms and training made a significant difference. Differing philosophies on war were an advantage for the Spanish. The Conquistador's success was handsomely rewarded in gold and silver.
Unlike the Colonists in North America the Conquistadors were almost exclusively fighting men. They felt their job was fighting and government not being farmers, miners or the like. They counted a great deal on enslaving locals to do those tasks for them. This was mostly fatal for those Native Americans that were not previously killed by warfare or disease. African slaves eventually filled the gap.
The Caribe people who inhabited the Caribbean Islands rapidly died out. The tribes of the California coast also died out rapidly. The Aztec and Incan civilizations were utterly destroyed and their people enslaved or scattered.
