European Contact Overwhelms the Inca Empire: Francisco Pizarro's Conquest of Peru
Overview
Unknown to the indigenous people of the New World, their destiny was being determined by political and economic forces taking place across the Atlantic Ocean in Europe. Toward the end of the fifteenth century, thousands of daring adventurers would be crossing the ocean to conquer within a few centuries what had taken the Indians thousands to years to inhabit. This "Age of Exploration" was fostered by technological advancements in maritime practices, the belief in an economic philosophy called mercantilism, and an interest in converting the religious beliefs of native populations. Mercantilism was the idea that if a nation was not self-sufficient in its affairs, then its neighbors would dominate it. The two areas that seemed ripe for establishing this ideal were the Middle East and the Americas. Many of the Spanish conquistadors headed for the New World seeking wealth and adventure. One such conquistador was Francisco Pizarro (1470?-1541).
Background
Spanish interest in the west coast of South America grew after Vasco Núñez de Balboa (1475-1519) discovered the Pacific Ocean in 1513 and brought back tales of untold riches. In 1523, Pizarro, Diego de Almagro (1475?-1538), and Hernando de Luque undertook the initial exploration of Peru that eventually led to its conquest.
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