1. Exploration and the Colonial Era
Spanish Claim an Empire

2. Spanish Conquistadores
Soon after Columbus’s discovery, Spanish explorers set out to claim new colonies for Spain in the New World
Known as conquistadors (conquerors), they conquered much of the Americas
Conquistadores had 3 primary motives: God, Gold, & Glory

3. Cortes Subdues the Aztec
Hernando Cortes landed in Mexico in 1519
He learned of great wealth in the Aztec empire
Cortes set out with 500 men, 16 horses, 10 cannons and sought out the Aztec
The Aztec emperor, Montezuma, welcomed Cortes like he was a god

5. Cortes Subdues the Aztec
Using Montezuma’s false belief against him, Cortes forced the Aztec to mine gold and silver for him
The Aztecs blamed Montezuma for allowing the Spanish to enslave them and killed him; they were able to push Cortes out of their city
However, Cortes men had spread smallpox and measles among the Aztec
When Cortes counterattacked the Aztec army was too weakened by disease to resist

6. Spanish Pattern of Conquest
Spaniards lived among the people of their colonies and often married native women
This resulted in a large mestizo population – mestizo’s are children born from Spanish and Indian parents
The Spanish also oppressed the natives
Spain forced natives to labor in the encomienda system
In the encomienda system, natives essentially worked as slaves for Spanish lords
After several decades, Spain abandoned the encomienda system because of its “cruelty” and began using African slaves as laborers

7. Spain Spreads Christianity
During the latter part of the 16th century, Spain became increasingly focused on converting natives to Christianity
Roman Catholic priests came to the New World to establish Christian missions and convert natives
During this time, Spain expanded their exploration outside of Central America and spread into modern day Texas and California
The goal was to convert as many souls as possible and teach the natives European ways and skills

8. Spanish Missionary in Texas