1Conquistadors -- Conquerors -- Soldiers from Spain, one of the world superpowers of the 1500s, who explored, conquered, and settled in the New World. They came looking for gold, silver, land, and glory. Their equipment included cannons aboard their ships, iron weapons including crossbows, swords, and spears, and iron armor.
2Aztecs and Incas -- Native Americans who had developed and maintained civilizations in America for hundreds of years. At the time of the conquistadors' invasion, the Aztec and Inca armies had been weakened by civil wars. Their equipment included bronze and copper shields, stone knives, and cloth armor.
3Smallpox and measles -- Deadly diseases unknown in America before the arrival of the Europeans. Smallpox and measles arrived with the invaders, and may have done more to determine who would rule America than all of the weapons combined.
