- Spanish conquistadores explored the New World, many in search ofgold and other riches, others to convert the indigenous population toChristianity.- Hernán Cortés arrived in Mexico in 1519 and within two years conquered the Mexica (Aztec) Empire.- In 1522, Francisco Pizarro conquered the Incan Empire along the west coast of South America.- Cortés and Pizarro owed their victories to technological advantages, including steel armor and guns, as well as their effective use of horses and the formation of alliances with hostile tribes.- Diseases to which the native peoples had no immunity, including smallpox,measles, and malaria, decreased and weakened the population.- It is estimated that in 100 years the population of the former Aztec Empiredecreased from 26 million to just over 1 million. After conquest of the Incas and the Aztecs, Spain established colonies in the New World.

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