IB History Paper 2 - Causes and effects of Early Modern wars (1500 - 1700) (Spanish conquest of the Incan Empire)

Key terms for Topic 6: Causes and effects of Early Modern wars (1500 - 1700) for the IB History course.

Inca Civil War (1532)

Conflict between Atahualpa and Huascar for the Incan throne after Huayna Capac's death, leading to a divided empire and weakened military.

Reconquista and Unification of Spain (1492)

Spain's reconquest from the Umayyad Caliphate, unification of Castile, Aragon, and Granada, forming a stable government for funding expeditions.

Gold and Economic Competition

Demand for gold in the 15th century driving expeditions like Pizarro's, motivated by wealth and fame, contrasting with Incan taxation through mandatory labor.

Papal Bull (Dum Diversas)

Pope Nicholas V's authorization for colonization and conversion to Christianity, supporting Spanish expeditions in the name of Christendom.

Biological Warfare

Smallpox epidemic causing power vacuum in Incan Empire, leading to political instability and conflict.

White Gods Myth

Controversial belief that Spaniards were seen as gods by indigenous populations due to advanced technology, challenged by modern historians like Camilla Townsend.

Francisco Pizarro

Conquistador who used diplomacy, terror tactics, and alliances to conquer the Incan Empire, displaying social mobility and brutality in his leadership.

Diego de Almagro

Conquistador who lacked military experience but used organizational skills, forming alliances and leading opposition against Pizarro.

Manco Inca

Incan leader who allied with both Spanish and rebels, displaying military genius and resistance against Spanish dominion.

Incan Military and Taxation

Incan military organization based on compulsory service and rewards, funded through taxation like the Mita system.

Spanish Conquistadors' Motives

Motivations for conquest including patriotism, commercial interests, and religious zeal, funded by the Crown and driven by the Reconquista legacy.

Organization of Warfare

Pizarro's ambush of Atahualpa, legal procedures for execution, and the role of lawyers in justifying actions during the conquest.

Spanish Legal Procedures and Inca Negotiations

Spanish legal procedures led to Inca negotiations, preventing uprisings and altering war tactics planning.

Spanish Military Superiority

The Spaniards had superior arms and were skilled horsemen, contrasting the Inca preference for hand-to-hand combat.

Inca Rebellion Tactics

The Inca governors shifted tactics to intimidation and sieging, utilizing the mountainous terrain to their advantage.

Manco Inca's Rebellion

Manco Inca's rebellion in 1533 showcased Inca adaptability, using geographical knowledge to resist Spanish forces.

Influence of Gunpowder

The advent of gunpowder shifted Europe to a more capitalist model, enabling the rise of conquistadores during the conquest.

Capitulación de Toledo

A decree in 1529 dividing land ownership between Pizarro and de Almagro, later amended in 1534 to avoid disputes.

Pizarro and de Almagro Disputes

Disputes arose between Pizarro and de Almagro due to power imbalances and unclear boundaries, leading to political turmoil.

Manco Inca's Rebellion Motivation

Manco Inca rebelled against the Spaniards after realizing their true intentions, using effective tactics despite armament inferiority.

Spanish Crown's Consolidation

Gonzalo Pizarro's defeat by Pedro de la Gasca marked the consolidation of Spanish dominion and Crown's power in Peru.

Influence of the Church

The Church had significant influence in cultural and intellectual spheres, impacting everyday life and educational institutions.

Extirpacion de Idolatrias

Campaigns aimed at eradicating native beliefs and practices, often through destruction of cultural sites like huacas.

Mitmaqkuna or Mitimas

Policy of forced migration where entire tribes were relocated to newly conquered areas to spread Inca culture and ensure loyalty to the Sapa Inca.

Encomienda System

A system where indigenous people were forced to work for Spanish conquistadors who were responsible for their protection and conversion to Christianity.

Reducciones

Resettlement program initiated in 1570 to move native populations into Spanish-style towns for surveillance by civil authorities and priests.

Arrival of Foreigners

The influx of Spanish migrants and African slaves into Peru following the conquest, seeking wealth and opportunities in the newly acquired territories.