Smallpox and the Collapse of the Aztec and Incan Empires

  • Smallpox introduced to America by Francisco de Baguia.

  • Narváez Expedition (March 1520) aimed to replace Cortés.

  • Smallpox rampant in Cuba; spread quickly through indigenous populations.

  • Over half of Aztec population perished; many died from starvation.

  • Bodies were disposed of to combat odor; epidemic reached inland plateau by September 1520.

  • Smallpox introduced to Tenochtitlán in June 1520, leading to high mortality.

  • Cuitláhuac ruled for only 14 days before dying.

  • Cortés conquered Tenochtitlán (June-August 1521); estimates suggest up to 90% of natives died.

  • Smallpox causes: high fever, rash, severe organ damage.

  • Fatality in 30% of cases, higher among Amerindians.

  • Pizarro defeated Atahualpa in 1532 with limited men; smallpox predated his arrival, causing chaos.

  • Huayna Capac died of smallpox, leading to civil war; Pizarro noted that living Incan leaders would have resisted Spanish conquest.

  • Spanish justified actions through conversion; Incan child sacrifices noted as more "civilized" than Aztec rituals.

  • Smallpox origins linked to domesticated animals; Europeans had immunity due to exposure; Amerindians did not.

  • Smallpox introduced to America by Francisco de Baguia.

  • Narváez Expedition (March 1520) aimed to replace Cortés.

  • Smallpox rampant in Cuba; spread quickly through indigenous populations.

  • Over half of Aztec population perished; many died from starvation.

  • Bodies were disposed of to combat odor; epidemic reached inland plateau by September 1520.

  • Smallpox introduced to Tenochtitlán in June 1520, leading to high mortality.

  • Cuitláhuac ruled for only 14 days before dying.

  • Cortés conquered Tenochtitlán (June-August 1521); estimates suggest up to 90% of natives died.

  • Smallpox causes: high fever, rash, severe organ damage.

  • Fatality in 30% of cases, higher among Amerindians.

  • Pizarro defeated Atahualpa in 1532 with limited men; smallpox predated his arrival, causing chaos.

  • Huayna Capac died of smallpox, leading to civil war; Pizarro noted that living Incan leaders would have resisted Spanish conquest.

  • Spanish justified actions through conversion; Incan child sacrifices noted as more "civilized" than Aztec rituals.

  • Smallpox origins linked to domesticated animals; Europeans had immunity due to exposure; Amerindians did not.

  • March 1520: Narváez Expedition aimed to replace Cortés.

  • June 1520: Smallpox introduced to Tenochtitlán, leading to high mortality.

  • June-August 1521: Cortés conquered Tenochtitlán; estimates suggest up to 90% of natives died.

  • 1532: Pizarro defeated Atahualpa with limited men; smallpox predated his arrival, causing chaos.