What role did the European disease smallpox play in Pizarro's conquest of the Inca?

Smallpox played a critical role in Pizarro's conquest of the Inca by severely weakening the indigenous population before the Spanish arrived. The disease spread rapidly among the Incas, who had no immunity to it, leading to widespread death and societal disruption. This decimation of the Inca population not only reduced their military strength but also created political instability, making it easier for Pizarro and his forces to conquer the empire. As a result, smallpox significantly facilitated the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire.