European Conquest of Latin America

Pre-European Native American Societies Before Europeans, Native American Empires existed in Latin America. They built magnificent structures They had powerful armies Made advances in Science and Math Engaged in commerce and trade

The Aztecs

The Aztecs were located in central Mexico. Believed to begin sometime in the 14 th century. Built pyramids, houses, temples, and other magnificent buildings. Built aqueducts that provide the city with fresh running water

The Aztecs conquered other Native Americans A king ruled over the whole empires –He allowed local rulers in the outlying regions to keep most of their power. –Had to remain loyal to the empire.

The Aztecs were very religious Off praises to many gods Chief god was the sun god –To appease the sun god, the Aztecs practiced human sacrifice. –Normally sacrificed people captured as prisoners of war.

The Incas

The Incas built their empire in modern-day Peru Empire extended as far as Ecuador, parts of Chile, and the western edges of the Amazon. Did allow local leaders to keep some power. Maintained tighter control on the outlying regions

Built roads that allowed trader and troops to move quickly through the Andes Mtns. Rural areas – they relied on agriculture. –Built irrigation systems that provided needed water

Christopher Columbus

1492 – Christopher Columbus landed in Hispaniola. First European to discover the “new world” Claimed the territory for Spain

At first, Native Americans welcomed Christopher Columbus and his crew. Soon – he began to enslave many of the Native American in Hispaniola –Forced them to work. He wanted to gather the countries natural resources and ship them to Spain –Hoped to find large amounts of gold

The Columbian Exchange Trade between the Americas and Europe became very important. Europeans who explored or settled in the New World shipped raw materials back to Europe.

This became known as the Columbian Exchange. Europeans benefited from the exchange –Got valuable raw materials. Exchange was terrible for Native Americans. –They received little for their work –The resources they relied on were taken and shipped overseas

Many Native Americans died from the diseased brought over by the Europeans. There immune systems could not protect them. Many died from diseases like smallpox.