Ep 2. Conquest

In episode 2 of season 1 of the acclaimed documentary series Guns, Germs, & Steel, titled "Conquest," viewers are taken on a journey through the conquests of various civilizations throughout history. The episode explores the factors that led to the successful conquests of certain societies, such as the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire in South America, while others were unable to conquer neighboring territories.

The episode starts by delving into the impact of geographical location on a society's chances for conquest. The program highlights the importance of natural barriers like oceans and mountain ranges in protecting civilizations from potential invaders. For example, the Inca Empire's rugged Andean terrain served as an easily defensible stronghold against competing empires.

Furthermore, the episode analyzes the role of technology in successful conquests. It takes viewers into the world of the Ancient Incas, who were unable to invent the wheel. As a result, the transportation of goods and people was slow and cumbersome, making it difficult for them to expand their empire on a grand scale. This is contrasted with the Spanish civilization that had access to the horse, which helped them move swiftly across the South American terrain.

The Guns, Germs, & Steel series also looks at the impact of germs on conquests. In the case of the Spanish conquest, germs played a significant role in the downfall of the Inca Empire. The Inca people had no immunity to smallpox, a disease brought over by the Spanish and which quickly spread throughout the Inca cities, sickening and killing many. This weakened the Inca's ability to defend themselves against the incoming invaders.

Additionally, the episode discusses the importance of military strength and tactics. The Aztecs, for example, were known for their military prowess, making them a formidable presence in Central America. However, when the Spanish arrived with their superior weapons and tactics, the Aztec's military might was quickly defeated.

Finally, the episode looks at the role of political organization in a civilization's ability to conquer neighboring societies. The program examines the African kingdom of Ethiopia, which, with its centralized political and military system, was able to successfully defend itself against the invading Italian army in the late 1800s.

Throughout "Conquest," viewers are taken on a journey through the different factors that influenced the success or failure of a civilization's conquests. By the end of the episode, the viewer is left with a better understanding of the complex interplay of these factors and how they have impacted the course of human history.