How did European exploration and colonization affect the Aztec and Inca empires?

European exploration and colonization had devastating effects on the Aztec and Inca empires. The arrival of Spanish conquistadors, such as Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizarro, led to military conquest, the spread of diseases like smallpox, and the disruption of local economies and societies. These factors contributed to the rapid decline and eventual collapse of both empires, resulting in significant loss of life, cultural heritage, and autonomy for indigenous peoples. The colonization also facilitated the imposition of European governance, religion, and culture in the Americas.