1. Disease: The arrival of European conquistadors brought devastating diseases such as smallpox, measles, and influenza to the Americas. These diseases spread rapidly through the Inca Empire, killing millions of people and weakening the empire's infrastructure and social fabric.
2. Internal Conflicts: The Inca Empire was facing internal conflicts and power struggles even before the arrival of Europeans. These conflicts were primarily caused by competition for resources and power among different ethnic groups within the empire. The arrival of Europeans further exacerbated these conflicts, leading to divisions and disunity among the Inca people.
3. Spanish Military Superiority: The Spanish conquistadors had superior military technology and tactics compared to the Inca warriors. The Spanish were equipped with firearms, steel weapons, and horses, which gave them a significant advantage in battles against the Inca armies.
4. Collaboration and Alliances: The Spanish conquistadors were able to gain support and alliances from certain indigenous groups who were discontent with Inca rule. These alliances provided valuable intelligence and support to the Spanish, helping them overcome the numerical superiority of the Inca armies.
5. Poor Leadership: At the time of the Spanish arrival, the Inca Empire was experiencing a period of weak leadership and internal succession struggles. This lack of strong leadership further undermined the empire's response to the Spanish invasion and contributed to its downfall.
6. Fall of the Capital: The Spanish captured and executed the Inca emperor, Atahualpa, and occupied the Inca capital, Cusco. This event dealt a severe blow to Inca morale and disrupted the central administration of the empire, making it easier for the Spanish to consolidate their control.
These factors combined to lead to the eventual collapse of the Inca Empire, allowing the Spanish conquistadors to establish their dominance over the region and transforming the political and cultural landscape of the Andes.