Impact of Smallpox and Conquistadors on the Inca Empire

Vocabulary flashcards based on the impact of smallpox and the actions of conquistadors on the Inca Empire.

Smallpox

A viral infection that devastated the Inca Empire by killing an estimated 90% of its population.

Atahualpa

The last Sapa Inca of the Inca Empire, who was captured and executed by the Spanish conquistador Pizarro.

Civil War

A conflict in the Inca Empire triggered by the deaths of Huayna Capac and Ninan Cuyochi, leading to a struggle between Huascar and Atahualpa.

Treaty of Tordesillas

A 1494 agreement between Spain and Portugal that divided newly discovered lands between them.

Conquistador

A Spanish conqueror, particularly one of those who conquered parts of the Americas in the 16th century.

Francisco Pizarro

The Spanish conquistador who led the expedition that conquered the Inca Empire.

Papal Decrees

Two declarations by Pope Alexander VI that legitimized Spain's claims to territories over those claimed by Portugal.

Ransom of Atahualpa

A promise made by Atahualpa to fill a room with gold and silver in exchange for his freedom, later betrayed by Pizarro.

Inca Empire

A powerful empire in South America that was weakened by civil war and disease prior to the arrival of the Spanish.

European Diseases

Infectious diseases such as smallpox and influenza brought by Europeans that devastated Native American populations.