1. Early European Exploration

2. The Conquistadors
Spanish soldiers sailing to America were called Conquistadors, or conquerors
Their labor was the work of God, defeat of nonbelievers was duty
Set out to find 7 cities of Cibola

3. Cortes and the Aztecs Tenochtitlan, capitol of Aztec empire
Sat on 2 islands in Lake Texcoco
Huge amounts of wealth
Moctezuma II, heard reports of Cortes nearing
Did not attack because Cortes fit description of an Aztec God
Cortes and men punished anyone that practiced non-Christian traditions
1521, Cortes and army destroys Aztec city
Spanish built Mexico City on ruins
1519, landed on coast of Mexico
Heard reports of a wealthy empire close by, the Aztecs
Cortes was ruthless, marched into Mexico and caused havoc along the way
Better weapons, horses
Cortes gained allies w/ other Indians conquered by the Aztecs
Aztecs forced to pay tributes, held sacrifices

7. After Cortes Spain controlled all land of present day Mexico
Became heart of viceroyalty of New Spain
Viceroy – official who rules the land.
Pizzaro followed Cortes footsteps, conquered Incas in S. America
European diseases spread and ravaged Indian population