Peru

Definition

Peru is a country located on the western coast of South America, known for its rich history and cultural heritage, particularly as the heart of the Inca Empire. During the Age of Exploration, it became a focal point for Spanish conquest and colonization, significantly impacted by figures like Francisco Pizarro, who played a key role in the downfall of the Inca civilization and the establishment of Spanish rule.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Francisco Pizarro led the Spanish expedition that resulted in the capture of Inca Emperor Atahualpa in 1532, marking a pivotal moment in the Spanish conquest of Peru.
2. The fall of the Inca Empire paved the way for Spain to exploit Peru's vast resources, particularly silver from mines such as those at Potosí.
3. Peru's geography features a diverse range of environments, including mountains, deserts, and rainforests, influencing its historical trade routes and cultural interactions.
4. The city of Lima was founded by Pizarro in 1535 and became the capital of Spanish colonial rule in South America, serving as a key administrative center.
5. The legacy of Spanish colonization in Peru includes significant cultural syncretism, where indigenous and Spanish customs blended, impacting language, religion, and social structures.

Review Questions

• How did Francisco Pizarro's actions directly influence the political landscape of Peru during the Age of Exploration?
  • Pizarro's capture and execution of Atahualpa led to the collapse of the Inca Empire and allowed Spain to establish control over Peru. This marked a significant shift in power dynamics as the indigenous ruling class was replaced by Spanish authorities. As a result, Pizarro laid the groundwork for Spanish colonial governance that dominated Peru for centuries.
• Evaluate the economic impact of Spanish colonization on Peru, particularly concerning resource extraction.
  • The Spanish colonization transformed Peru's economy by focusing on resource extraction, especially silver mining. The discovery of rich silver deposits like those at Potosí not only enriched Spain but also drastically altered local economies. Indigenous labor was exploited through systems like encomienda, which caused long-term demographic and social changes in Peru's population.
• Discuss how Peru’s diverse geography contributed to both the challenges faced by Pizarro during his conquest and to the lasting effects of colonization on indigenous cultures.
  • Peru's varied geography presented challenges for Pizarro's forces as they navigated through rugged mountains and dense jungles. However, it also provided rich resources that attracted colonization efforts. The lasting effects on indigenous cultures included both disruption and adaptation, as many communities blended their traditions with Spanish influences, leading to a unique cultural identity that persists in modern Peru.

Related terms

Inca Empire: A vast empire in pre-Columbian South America that flourished from the early 15th century until its conquest by the Spanish in the 16th century.

Machu Picchu: An ancient Incan city located in the Andes Mountains of Peru, often regarded as a symbol of the Inca civilization and a major archaeological site.

Spanish Conquest: The period during which Spanish explorers and conquistadors invaded and colonized large parts of the Americas, including Peru, leading to significant cultural and political changes.