A: When the Spanish invaded Mexico and Peru in the early 16^th century, they wielded weaponry far superior to anything the Aztecs and Incas could’ve imagined. The 600 Spaniards who landed at the site of modern-day Vera Cruz in 1519, under the command of Hornando Cortés, carried firearms – muskets – and small cannons, and rode horses, all of which terrified the Aztec natives. And although the Aztecs fiercely fought back on foot with swords and spears made out of sharp pieces of obsidian, or black volcanic glass, ultimately they were no match for the Spaniards.  Despite Cortés’s encountering a few setbacks, there was no contest, and he managed to subdue five million Aztecs with his tiny army. Similarly, beginning in 1530, the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro subdued the Inca Empire with 180 soldiers, fighting a native army of about 40,000 men. Pretty impressive, right? Sure, the pen may be mightier than the sword, but let’s not forget the firearm is too.