U4LA Conquest of the Americas

And [even] before the Spaniards had risen against us, a pestilence first came to be prevalent: the smallpox. It was the month of Tepeilhuitl when it began, and it spread over the people as great destruction. Some it quite covered with blisters on all parts – their faces, their heads, their chests, etc. . . . Entirely covered with blisters, very many people died of them. And very many starved; there was death from hunger, for none could take care of the sick; nothing could be done for them.

–The Florentine Codex, 1579

Not all people died from contracting smallpox. What was the other leading cause of death mentioned in the passage?

[Since New Spain was discovered], great atrocities were committed against the indigenous people of the region and some were killed by members of the expedition. These so-called Christians set about stealing from the people and murdering them on the pretense of settling the area. And [since that time] the great iniquities and injustices, the outrageous acts of violence and the bloody tyranny of these Christians have steadily escalated.

–Bartolomé de las Casas

Which of the following reasons did Las Casas use to support his claim? Check all that apply.

"The reason that these Christians have murdered on such a vast scale and killed anyone and everyone in their way is purely and simply greed. . . . Their excessive greed and ambition know no bounds; the land is fertile and rich, the native inhabitants are simple and submissive."

-Bartolomes de Las Casas's journal

Based on this excerpt from de Las Casas's journal, why did the Conquistadors kill so many Native Americans in the New World? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)

When Hernan Cortes arrived in Mexico, the __________________________ held the largest and most powerful empire in the Americas.

Because the Spanish had horses, some Aztecs thought Cortes might be a god. The Aztec king, _____________________________, invited Cortes to enter his capital city of Tenochtitlan.

After a short time, Cortes turned against the emperor and ______________________