Spain Builds an American Empire Chapter 4 Section 1 1492-1800

Main Ideas The vast wealth to be had from colonizing the Americas sealed the fate of millions of Native Americans and Africans who were forced to work in mines and on plantations. Over the span of several centuries, Europeans conquered the Americas’ native inhabitants and built powerful American empires.

Introduction Europeans were fiercely competing for wealth in Asia. Such competition prompted Christopher Columbus to embark on a daring voyage. He attempted to reach Asia by sailing west. Instead, his mistake became an event that would bring together the people of Europe, Africa and the Americas.

The Voyages of Columbus Columbus left Spain on August 3, 1492. On October 12th, he reached what he thought was an island in the East Indies. He instead landed on an island in the Bahamas and claimed it for Spain.

First Encounters “They accepted anything and gave what they had with the utmost good will.” Columbus called the natives “Indians” and named the land San Salvador or “Holy Savior”. He found no gold. So, he began to island hop. Claiming each as he went along. “It was my wish to bypass no island without taking possession.”

Three More Trips Spain’s rulers were so pleased with the claims that they financed three more trips. Columbus now became an “empire builder”. Goal? Transform Caribbean islands into colonies.

Other Explorers Take to the Seas Amerigo Vespucci – traveled east coast of South America. Reported that land was a new world and not part of Asia. America was named after him. Ferdinand Magellan – Traveled west around the world. Trip took three years. His crew was the first to circumnavigate the world.

Spanish Conquests in Mexico Hernando Cortes – landed in Mexico in 1519. Marched inland for lands to claim for Spain. Spanish explorers who followed were called conquistadors.

Spanish Conquests (cont.) Conquistadors carved out areas in South America, Mexico and the U.S. Searching for gold and silver. Result? Spain greatly enriched their empire and left a mark on many cultures of North and South America that exists today.

Cortes Conquers the Aztecs Cortes soon learned of the Aztec’s wealthy empire. With his 600 men, he reached Tenochtitlan. Aztec emperor, Montezuma II, thought Cortes was a god. Gave Cortes gold. Told Montezuma that he and his men had a “disease of the heart that only gold can cure.”

Conquering the Aztecs The harmony between the two groups did not last. Cortes conquered the Aztecs in 1521. Weapons v. arrows Native assistance v. Native resistance Immunity v. Diseases

Spanish Conquests in Peru Francesco Pizarro – conquered Incas in South America in 1533. Kidnapped Incan ruler, Atahualpa. Incas paid a ransom of gold and silver but Inca ruler was killed anyway.

Spain’s Pattern of Conquest Spanish settlers in Americas were mostly men. Relationships with native women. Mestizo = mixed Oppressed natives Forced to work land for landlords – encomienda. Abused natives and worked them to death, literally.

The Portuguese in Brazil Brazil had stayed outside of Spanish control. No gold or silver → grow sugar Europeans were demanding large quantities of sugar. Colonists kept pushing west and clearing more land for sugar.

Spain’s Influence Expands Spain became the most powerful country in the world in the 16th century due to its large empire. Ships arrived home full of treasures. Developed a great navy to protect ships. Developed a good army, too. Expanded territory into the U.S.

Conquistadors Push North Ponce de Leon claimed Florida for Spain in 1513. Francisco Vasquez de Coronado explored as far north as Oklahoma and Kansas. Helped colonize much of the southwest U.S. Pedro de Peralta – Catholic Priest 1609-1610 – Explored the Rio Grande River and established New Mexico and the city of Santa Fe. This area became the headquarters for advancing the Catholic religion.

Opposition to Spanish Rule Spanish priests pushed to spread Christianity to the Americas. Wanted better treatment for Native Americans. Priests criticized encomienda system.

African Slavery and Native Resistance Encomienda system – abolished 1542. Alternative? Africans. “The labor of one (African)….is more valuable than that of four Indians”. This idea led to the Atlantic Slave Trade