Summary of Conquest of the Inca Empire

  • Historical Context

    • Timeframe: 500 years ago, Andes mountains.
    • Meeting of two empires: Spanish conquistadors and Inca Empire.
    • Hernan Cortes returns from Mexico with treasures.

  • Francisco Pizarro's Arrival

    • Pizarro meets King Charles V in Toledo, brings gifts to impress.
    • 07/26/1529: Receives royal license to conquer Peru, becomes governor.
    • Recruitment of fellow conquistadors, including his brothers.

  • Impact of Disease

    • Reports of a smallpox outbreak arrive, killing up to 90% of Inca population.
    • Sapa Inca Huayna Capac and heir die from the disease, leading to succession crisis.

  • Atahualpa's Rise

    • Atahualpa and Huascar vie for power.
    • Atahualpa captures Huascar's armies and approaches victory at Cusco.

  • Encounter with Spaniards

    • On 11/16/1532, Atahualpa meets Pizarro and his 168 men, underestimating their threat.
    • Atahualpa's confidence derived from recent victory over Huascar.

  • Pizarro's Betrayal

    • Pizarro uses deception to capture Atahualpa during the meeting.
    • Atahualpa's forces overwhelmed and panic ensues.

  • Ransom for Freedom

    • Atahualpa offers immense treasure (gold and silver) for his release.
    • He pays a total of 1,300,000 pesos de oro, valued over $400 million in today's currency.

  • Atahualpa's Execution

    • On 07/26/1533, Atahualpa is executed; forced baptism precedes his death.
    • Fall of the Inca Empire is set into motion as Pizarro and men move towards Cuzco.