1. The Conquest of the Americas

2. Christopher Columbus
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3. European Explorations Looking for “El Dorado”

4. Spain in the New World
After Columbus discovered the Americas, Spain became the first European country to settle in the Americas.
Seeking gold and other riches, they conquered the local populations and established colonies.

5. The First Spanish Conquests: The Aztecs
vs.
Montezuma II
Fernando Cortés

6. The Conquest of Mexico
Spanish soldiers called conquistadores, were led by Hernando Cortes.
The Aztecs were led by their chief Montezuma II, who was killed in the conflict.
The Aztecs eventually surrendered to the Spanish.

7. The Death of Montezuma II

8. Mexico Surrenders to Cortés

9. The First Spanish Conquests: The Incas
vs.
Francisco Pizarro
Atahualpa

12. Why were the Spanish so Successful in their conquest of the Americas?

13. Superior Weapons and Armor

14. Disease in the Americas

15. Reasons for Victory 1. Technology (horses, cannons, guns, armor)
2. Divisions among the Native Americans
3. Diseases (Small Pox)

16. Effects of the European Conquest

17. 1. Native American population decreases by 90 % (due to disease, slavery, and massacres)
2. Wealth is plundered
3. Native Americans convert to Christianity
4. Spanish language spreads to the Americas
5. Spanish Empires rule the Americas for the next several hundred years.

19. Treasures from the Americas!

20. Religions of the World

21. Languages of the World

22. European Empires in the Americas

23. Cycle of Conquest & Colonization Official European Colony!
Explorers
Conquistadores
Official European Colony!
Missionaries
Permanent Settlers