C9 Spain Looks Westward Inquiry #3 In what ways did the desire for gold and glory shape Spanish actions during the 1400s and 1500s?

C9 Spain Looks Westward Reminder: The Inquiry Question for ALL of Chapter 9 is… What elements of a societys worldview might lead to a desire to create an empire?

Section 3- Gold and Glory The Inquiry Question for section 3 is: In what ways did the desire for gold and glory shape Spanish actions during the 1400s and 1500s?

Section 3- Gold and Glory One of the key motivations for European explorers was the search for gold. They wanted personal wealth as well as wealth for the monarchs who sponsored their voyages. National wealth was determined by how much gold and silver a country had. Being a wealthy country meant they could buy natural resources they may have lacked or fight wars for territory including protecting their own. What happens when a country uses up its gold and silver reserves?

Section 3- Gold and Glory Wealth for Spain: In 1492 Spain had been fighting the Muslims for many years. The fight to reclaim Spain was long and difficult. And fighting a war is very expensive. Spains gold and silver reserves were almost gone. King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella hoped that Columbuss mission would bring back gold to help the Spanish economy..

Section 3- Gold and Glory Read figure 9-17 and FYI on pg 207 for some interesting facts about the importance of gold and silver and the costs of war. When Columbus arrived in the Americas he wrote back to Ferdinand and Isabella that he had discovered gold. In fact it was a small amount but read what he wrote in the excerpt on pg 208. Reread the story on pg 193. Based on what you read why do you suppose Columbus exaggerated the amount of gold that he found in his letter to the monarchs of Spain?

Section 3- Gold and Glory News that Columbus had discovered gold was very exciting to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. They immediately approved a new, much larger voyage to the Americas. See blue box on top of pg 209. Wealth and Glory for Spaniards: After the Reconquista many Spanish nobles fell on hard times. Nobles who fought for Spain were often given land as a reward for service. They often lived of the crops produced by the peasant who farmed their land. There was not enough land to support all the nobles in the comfort they believed their class deserved.

Section 3- Gold and Glory Many of these nobles refused to work manual labor or a trade, instead they became involved in business and finance. Some even went to the Americas to seek their fortune. Not all went to the Americas for money. Some went for other reasons including Glory. Some, like Cortes, were already wealthy before they left Spain. Do you think seeking glory for yourself, your country, or God is noble?

Section 3- Gold and Glory The desire for glory and fame led many to fight in Spains war against the Muslims. Over time stories of chivalry and bravery came back from the battlefield inspiring many young men to fight for fame on the battlefield.