America: Significant People Flashcards
Pachacuti
Pachacuti (1438-1471) was the ninth ruler of the Inca Empire, located in the Andes Mountains of South America. He is credited as the founder of the Inca Empire, and is considered to be one of its greatest rulers. He expanded the Inca Empire from its core in the Cusco region of modern-day Peru, and reorganized the empire’s political and social structure. He also built many of the famous monuments of the Inca Empire, including the famous Machu Picchu.
Montezuma II
Montezuma II (also known as Moctezuma II) was the ninth ruler of the Aztec Empire, reigning from 1502 to 1520. During his reign, he expanded the Aztec Empire to its greatest size and consolidated power over its many vassal states. He also initiated diplomatic contacts with Spanish explorer Hernán Cortés and other European powers, ultimately leading to the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire.
Hernan Cortes
Hernán Cortés was a Spanish conquistador who led the expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire. He is credited with establishing New Spain, the first Spanish colony in the Americas. Cortés also conquered the Mayan Empire and parts of Honduras and Nicaragua. He is remembered for his bravery and ambition, having conquered much of the New World for Spain.
Francisco Pizarro
Francisco Pizarro was a Spanish conquistador and explorer who was known for leading the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire in modern-day Peru in the early 16th century. He and his men were the first Europeans to colonize the area, ultimately leading to the fall of the Inca Empire. Pizarro and his men also conquered the lands of Chile and Ecuador. He was later assassinated in 1541.
Bartolome de Las Casas
Bartolome de las Casas was a 16th-century Spanish priest and scholar who was an early champion of indigenous rights. He is most well-known for his vehement protests against the Spanish oppression of the native people of the New World. He wrote extensively about their plight and argued passionately against their mistreatment. He is sometimes referred to as the “Apostle of the Indians” due to his dedication to their cause. He is also credited with helping to initiate the Spanish Empire’s first laws protecting the rights of native people.
Metacom
Metacom (also known as King Philip or Metacomet) was a Wampanoag leader who led a Native American uprising against English settlers in 1675–76. He fought against the English in what became known as King Philip’s War, a conflict that ultimately led to the destruction of many Native American villages and the death of Metacom himself. The conflict was one of the bloodiest in American colonial history
Queen Nanny
Queen Nanny, also known as Granny Nanny, was a Maroon leader and freedom fighter in the late 18th century in Jamaica. She was the leader of the Windward Maroons, a group of escaped African slaves who fought for their freedom from the British. Queen Nanny was a master strategist, leading her people in successful guerrilla attacks against the British forces. She also provided her people with a strong religious and cultural foundation, establishing schools and churches in her town. She was ultimately successful in securing freedom and autonomy for the Maroons and is remembered as a symbol of courage and resilience for the African diaspora.
