Spanish colonization of the Americas

In 1519, Spanish explorers, under the leadership of Hernán Cortés, set foot on what is now modern-day Mexico in search of gold and land in the Aztec Empire. Although the Spanish initially had no intentions (or orders from Cuban governor Diego Velásquez for whom they made the voyage) to colonize the Aztec Empire, they sought to communicate with the inhabitants and spread their Christian faith. However, the end of 1521 saw the mighty Aztec Empire practically cease to exist, its emperor Montezuma…

Meanwhile, the younger Montejo continued to fight the Maya that were becoming more hostile as their numbers grew. They eventually they laid siege to the Spanish barricaded in the city. The Maya were able to cut off the Spanish supply line to the coast and forced them to send for help as they barricaded themselves in the ruins of the ancient city of Chichén Itzá. Months passed, but no reinforcements came to the aid of the trapped Spaniards. Montejo the Younger attempted an all out assault…

Silver and the Global Economy During the 16th to 18th centuries silver was of vast importance to trading networks all around the world. From 1500 to 1750 Spanish America and Tokugawa Japan dominated the world production in silver. Silver was so influential that the Ming government in China required all taxes to be paid in silver. Silver had many economic and social effects because it expanded trading connections with Asia, caused inflation, and the forced labor class had a hard life in its…

Dominating the America’s was one of the smartest decisions the Spanish could have made in the 1500’s. Bankrolling Columbus’ expedition fashioned several opportunities for the boundless empire. This colonization brought numerous characteristics for possibilities at a new life. They had an instance to obtain areas of rich land and develop their realm across the sea. Soon to find out, the Spanish weren’t the only ones there nor the first people in the America’s. Long before them, the invaders…

of both the Spanish and the Mexica empire before and after contact led to the Spanish conquest of the Mexica empire. Hierarchies were fundamental aspects of both the Spanish and Mexica empires, and permeated through all aspects of society, including religion. When the two groups interacted for the first time, they established a hierarchical relationship with the Spanish being superior to the Mexica. This allowed for the Spanish conquest of the Mexica empire. The Mexica saw the Spanish as…

locality. In its history, it has experienced a fire, major change in government, a horrendous massacre and a major earthquake and managed to survive to the present. Much later, when a new government was formed in Mexico, it cracked down heavily on the Spanish Franciscan Friars and the church. The church was converted into a public building with a civil administrator in charge. All missions were sold to private parties, and the san Miguel mission was purchased by Petronillo Rios and William…

request by arguing for their virtuous nature. He recounts the abuse and poverty suffered by indigenous communities. It is believed that this letter was written around 1649, following Palafox’s return to Spain. Virtudes provides insight into how the Spanish attributed value to indigenous people, and anecdotal information regarding indigenous living and working conditions. Circumstances of production Bishop Juan de Palafox y Mendoza served as Visitador General of New Spain from 1639 to 1649,…

manipulation, and raping of cultures to gain money, power, and complete control of what they so desired. First starting off with the spanish capture of mexico and then the complete takeover of the Native Americans by the new American settlers. The book that will be used to help explain everything will be Juan Gonzalez revised edition of Harvest of Empire:A History of Latinos in America. When the world was young many powerful countries looked over their sea in search for new lands and treasures.…

World. Among these nations, Spain was one of the countries that gained great power through the control of Native Americans. Spain was going through some major changes at this time, and these changes contributed much to the treatment to Indians. The Spanish nobles, also known as hidalgos, wanted to gain more power through the New World and take full advantage of the Indians. As cruel Spaniards’ killing, enslaving, and controlling of the Native Americans intensified, words for the rights of…

The Aztecs were a harsh and cruel empire. The Aztecs practiced human sacrifice, which caused them to be feared by others (Cornale,2). Many of the sacrificed people were captured from neighboring Indian tribes. Cortes really did not like the thought of human sacrifice (Livescience). This was a reason that helped him make allies with other Indian tribes. The other Indian tribes supported Cortes and his men by helping them fight the Aztecs. This helped Cortes and his men defeat the Aztecs because…