Why did Spanish explorers go to the Americas during the 15th century?

Why did Spanish explorers go to the Americas during the 15th century?

After Columbus opened the way into the New World, the Spanish moved into Peru and Mexico, where they conquered wealthy native civilizations. Then in the 1530s they began exploring the southeastern and southwestern regions of North America in hopes of finding more treasure.

What was a main goal of the Spanish in exploring the Americas?

Motivations for colonization: Spain’s colonization goals were to extract gold and silver from the Americas, to stimulate the Spanish economy and make Spain a more powerful country. Spain also aimed to convert Native Americans to Christianity.

What were Spanish explorers originally looking for?

After Columbus brought news of the new world to Europe many people went to the new world in search of land and riches. The Spanish Conquistadors were some of the first men to travel to the new world. They got their name from being both conquerors and explorers. They were mostly in search of gold and treasure.

In what ways did the Spanish form of colonization shape North American history?

The Spanish form of colonization altered North America politically and demographically. The Spanish forced Native Americans to convert to Catholicism and work on their missions or in gold and silver mines. Millions of Native Americans died to Spanish violence or Spanish diseases.

How were the Spanish able to conquer and colonize the Americas quizlet?

-The Spanish conquistadors were able to conquer Native American empires by spreading diseases to the Native Americans (have no immunity). All of those things were able to help them conquer Native American empires.

Why did the Spanish explorers come to America?

The Spanish explorers were drawn to the Americans because of rumors of vast lands filled with gold and silver.

Why did Columbus and his followers come to the Americas?

What process did Columbus and his followers begin? The process of trying to find an Asian trade route Why were most of the Spanish explorers drawn to the Americas? To search for gold and to get new lands to start building colonies Which country was the richest and the most powerful in the 16th century, and why?

What did Spain do in the 16th century?

By the middle of the 16th century, Spain had created an American empire. It included New Spain (Mexico and parts of Guatemala),as well as other lands in Central and South America and the Caribbean. They took the stocks of gold from the Aztec and Inca empires.

Who was the Spanish explorer who conquered the Inca Empire?

Spanish explorers who carved out colonies for gold and riches. Francisco Pizarro Conquered the Inca Empire in South America Atahualpa Inca ruler who was met by Pizarro and Commanded 30,000 unarmed men Mestizo Mixed Spanish and Native American population Encomienda System in which the Natives farmed, ranched, and mined