[ 2.1 ] Spanish Colonization and New Spain

Learning Objectives Describe how conquistadors defeated two Native American empires. Explain why Spain settled its colonies. Explain the causes and effects of the transatlantic slave trade.

[ 2.1 ] Spanish Colonization and New Spain Key Terms conquistadors pueblos Presidios missions peninsulares creoles mestizos encomiendas plantation

Conquistadors Arrive in the Americas “What a troublesome thing it is to discover new lands. The risks we took, it is hardly possible to exaggerate.” Thus spoke Bernal Díaz del Castillo, one of the many Spanish conquistadors (kahn KEES tuh dorz), or conquerors, who marched into the Americas in the 1500s. When asked why they traveled to the Americas, Díaz responded, “We came here to serve God and the king and also to get rich.”

Conquistadors Arrive in the Americas The Spanish Destroy an Empire The Inca Empire Falls Why the Spanish Won

Conquistadors Arrive in the Americas Hernando Cortés kneels before the Aztec emperor Moctezuma. Infer What is the artist suggesting about this interaction between Moctezuma and Cortés?

Exploring Lands to the North The Spanish search for treasure reached beyond the lands of the Aztecs and Incas. Moving north, conquistadors explored the Spanish borderlands. The borderlands spanned the present-day southern United States from Florida to California.

Exploring Lands to the North An Expedition Proves Difficult The Search for Gold Continues

Exploring Lands to the North Spanish explorers took several different routes through North America. Analyze Maps What impact might exploration of the Spanish borderlands have had on the present-day United States?

Exploring Lands to the North The Pueblo of Acoma, atop a mesa in present-day New Mexico, was one of the fabled “seven cities of gold” sought by Francisco Coronado and other conquistadors.

The Colonization of New Spain The conquistadors set up colonies in many parts of the Americas. Spain had many causes for colonization, or setting up colonies. One was the search for wealth: settlements provided bases from which expeditions could set out in search of gold. Settlements could also created wealth through farming and trade. A second important cause of settlement was to spread Christianity by converting native peoples. A third cause was to satisfy a thirst for adventure and exploration. Sometimes, historians summarize the Spanish exploration and settlement of the Americas as motivated by 'Gold, God, and Glory.' Thousands of Spanish immigrants moved to Spanish settlements looking for opportunities the colonies offered, especially farming.

The Colonization of New Spain Spanish Settlements The Legacy of Missions

The Colonization of New Spain Spanish territory covered Central America, part of North America, and much of the Caribbean Islands and South America. Analyze Maps How did the Spanish divide their territory into colonies?

The Colonization of New Spain Settlers in St. Augustine, Florida, in New Spain came to town to do business, worship, and socialize.

The Social Order in New Spain The Laws of the Indies also set up a strict social system. People in Spanish colonies were divided into four social classes: peninsulares (puh NIN suh LAH rayz), creoles (KREE ohlz), mestizos (mes TEE sohz), and Indians.

The Social Order in New Spain Different Social Classes A Blend of Spanish and Indian Cultures Harsh Treatment of Native Americans

The Social Order in New Spain New Spain’s society was divided into social classes based on birthplace and racial characteristics.

The Transatlantic Slave Trade The death toll among Native Americans continued to rise. Faced with a severe shortage of workers, Spanish colonists looked across the Atlantic Ocean for a new source of labor.

The Transatlantic Slave Trade Reasons for the Slave Trade Slave Trade Expansion

The Transatlantic Slave Trade Many Africans were captured and shipped to Europe and the Americas to work as slaves. Analyze Maps Most Africans enslaved in the Americas came from which coast of Africa?

The Transatlantic Slave Trade Enslaved Africans were shipped to destinations in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Analyze Charts Which region received the fewest enslaved Africans? Which received the most?

Quiz: Conquistadors Arrive in the Americas One reason why the Spanish easily conquered the Americas was that the Aztecs and Incas lacked A. wealth and power. B. loyalty to their leaders. C. the will to fight to the death. D. resistance to European diseases.

Quiz: Exploring Lands to the North What is the best way to describe the results of the Spanish expeditions into the borderlands in the early 1500s? A. They were successful, with many new settlements established. B. They were mostly unsuccessful, in part due to strong Indian resistance. C. They brought great wealth but also some hardship. D. Nothing of importance was discovered.

Quiz: The Colonization of New Spain Spanish presidios were A. tracts of land on which farmers could grow crops. B. schools for Spanish children to continue their education. C. forts that protected food and settlers in the area. D. festivals to celebrate Spain's conquest of the Americas.

Quiz: The Social Order in New Spain A person could be a peninsular in the Spanish colonies based on their A. total wealth. B. place of birth. C. level of education. D. ability to govern.

Quiz: The Transatlantic Slave Trade Which form of labor required heavy use of enslaved Africans in the West Indies and Brazil? A. corn and rice farming B. gold mining C. silver mining D. sugar farming