SPANISH CONQUISTADORS
After Columbus discovered the New World in 1492, Spain and Portugal began colonizing it immediately. Portugal established Brazil, but Spain had more success in the New World than Portugal because they sent “Conquistadors'' (conquerors) to look for gold and silver in the New World. They attacked the Native Americans and sent tons of Gold and Silver back to Europe. This made Spain an empire and the richest, most powerful country in the world. Spain found all of its riches in South America, but began exploring North America to see if there was gold or silver there. The Spanish established the colony of Mexico, after fighting and defeating the Native Americans in the southern part of North America
THE TRIANGULAR TRADE
Both Portugal and Spain began transporting enslaved Africans to the Americas to use as forced labor through the Triangular Trade in the 1500's. In this system of trading, Europe would trade goods to Africa, while Africa would trade enslaved people that would be taken to the Americas. In the Americas, the enslaved people were used to produce cash crops that were sold to Europe. The part of the Triangular Trade that sent enslaved Africans to the Americas was known as the Middle Passage.
HERNANDO DE SOTO EXPLORES THE FUTURE UNITED STATES
Hernando De Soto became the first European to explore what would become the United States in the 1540’s and the Spanish established the colony of Florida with the settlement of St. Augustine in 1565. St. Augustine is the oldest town in the United States.The Spanish also settled Mexico. Together Mexico and Florida became known as “New Spain.”
The influence of the Catholic Church was very strong in Europe. As a Catholic nation, one of Spain's priorities was to convert non-Christians into Christians. Spain considered American Indians to be uncivilized. The Spanish hoped to teach them the Christian faith, specifically Catholicism.
At the time the New World was discovered, Europeans believed a nation's greatness and glory was based on the strength and size of its empire. European nations competed to establish the largest empire around the world. To gain a new land was to gain glory. Spanish explorers were eager to claim new lands for Spain.
Spanish explorers originally hoped to find a sea route to Asia so they could gain wealth from the silk and spice trade there. Explorers described finding cities of gold on his way to Asia. Stories like this encouraged Spain to seek great riches, especially golden silver, in the Americas. Spanish explorers were willing to risk dangerous voyages, long tracks over horse land, and even war against American Indians to find wealth.