Spain and the New World - key topic 3

What triggered the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire?

The death of Huayna Capac in 1528 caused a civil war between his sons Atahuallpa and Huascar, weakening the empire and making it vulnerable to Spanish conquest.

Who was Francisco Pizarro and why is he significant?

Pizarro was a Spanish conquistador who led the conquest of the Inca Empire, capturing Atahuallpa and securing vast wealth and territory for Spain.

What happened at the Battle of Cajamarca (1532)?

Pizarro ambushed Atahuallpa's unarmed forces, massacred thousands of Incas, and captured their emperor—marking the start of the Inca collapse.

Why was the capture of Atahuallpa so significant?

It destabilised Inca leadership, gave the Spanish control, and allowed them to extract a huge ransom in gold before executing him.

How did the Incas resist Spanish rule after Atahuallpa’s death?

They launched revolts including the siege of Cuzco (1536–1537), but were ultimately defeated due to Spanish weaponry and Indigenous allies.

What were viceroys and what role did they play in the Spanish Empire?

Viceroys were royal officials who governed Spanish colonies in the king’s name, helping centralise control and enforce imperial policies.

What was the encomienda system and how was it used?

It granted settlers the right to Indigenous labour in return for Christianising them, but in practice was a system of forced labour and exploitation.

Who was Bartolomé de Las Casas and why is he important?

He was a Dominican priest who campaigned against the mistreatment of Indigenous people and helped inspire the New Laws of 1542.

What were the New Laws of 1542 and what did they aim to do?

They aimed to protect Indigenous people by banning their enslavement and ending the inheritance of encomiendas, although enforcement was limited.

What was the significance of the discovery of silver in Bolivia and Mexico?

Silver—especially from Potosí—became a major source of wealth, funding Spain’s empire and making the Americas vital to Spain's economy.

How did the discovery of silver affect Indigenous people in Spanish America?

It led to forced labour in dangerous conditions, contributing to population decline and harsh treatment under systems like the mita.

How did the slave trade begin to shape the Spanish Empire during this period?

As Indigenous populations declined, Spain began importing enslaved Africans to work in mines and plantations, beginning the transatlantic slave trade.

What was the role of the House of Trade in Seville?

It controlled trade with the Americas, collected taxes, and enforced Spain’s trade monopoly to ensure royal profits.

What was the Council of the Indies and why was it important?

It advised the king, created colonial laws, and oversaw administration, helping centralise and maintain control of Spain’s American empire.

What were the main effects of Spanish colonisation on Indigenous peoples by 1555?

Massive population loss, cultural destruction, forced conversion, land seizure, and economic exploitation devastated Indigenous societies.