Iraq Point

How was it it possible for spanish conquistadors to aquire vast American empire?

Within a single generation of Columbus's death, Spanish conquistadors explored, claimed, and conquered a vast American empire. How was this possible?

Public Comments

1. You may want to look at Jared Diamond's book GUNS, GERMS, AND STEEL -- the title practically answers your question.
2. For reasons beyond human control, rooted deep in the divergent evolutionary histories of the continents, the Columbian Exchange massively benefited the people of Europe and its colonies while bringing catastrophe to Native Americans. From Shmoop