Overview of Spanish Exploration and Settlement
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Questions and Answers

Why was it important for Spain to be seen as pious in the 1490s?

Because the Catholic Church was very powerful in Europe, it was advantageous to be seen as pious as it strengthened Ferdinand and Isabella's power and influence. For example, the Church supported crusades which the Spanish monarchs could finance for political gain.

In the late 1400s, why was Columbus so keen to find a new sea route to the East Indies?

  • He wanted to find gold and silver and become rich.
  • He wanted to gain control for Spain as a trading route to the East Indies.
  • He was hoping to discover new lands and establish trading routes there.
  • All of the above (correct)

What were the reasons that made Spain's success as an empire so dependent upon the discovery of large quantities of gold?

  • It could be used to fund wars and maintain a standing army.
  • It could be used to finance further exploration and colonization.
  • It could be used to purchase valuable goods for the King and Queen.
  • All of the Above (correct)

Columbus's voyages were all successful, and were not met with any resistance from other countries, such as Portugal.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were the benefits of the Spanish settlement in the New World for Spain and Spain's power in Europe?

<p>The discovery of the New World presented Spain with several opportunities.Firstly, they were able to encourage settlers to colonise the land and convert them to Christianity. Secondly, the Spanish government could use the gold which they found in the New World to boost their wealth and increase their power in Europe.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the Spanish government do to ensure that Spain had complete control over trade with the New World?

<p>In 1503, the Spanish government established the Casa de Contratacion in Seville to guarantee that they had absolute control over all trade between the New World and Spain. They also required that traders had permission from the agency to trade with the New World, thereby preventing any competition with the Spanish.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary motive for the conquistadors’ exploration of the New World?

<p>Search for gold and silver (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which notable silver mining town was established in Bolivia?

<p>Potosi (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What process was used to extract silver from ore?

<p>Smelting (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the discovery of silver have on Spanish government policies?

<p>Increased regulation of trade (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one result of the mining towns developing rapidly?

<p>Increased circulation of rumors about hidden wealth (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the fate of the silver bullion sent back to Spain?

<p>Part went directly to the Spanish treasury (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What facilitated increased colonization in the New World?

<p>Rumors of vast silver reserves (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the discovery of silver affect labor practices in mining towns?

<p>Heavy reliance on slave labor (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the immediate consequence of Atahuallpa's execution in 1533?

<p>Manco was crowned as the new Inca emperor. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Manco's role after being crowned Inca emperor?

<p>He was seen as a puppet king by the Spanish conquerors. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant strategy used by the Spanish during the Siege of Cuzco?

<p>They employed their cavalry to attack the Inca warriors. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What event triggered the Inca revolt in 1536?

<p>Manco escaped and rallied troops against the Spanish. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary impact of Spanish colonization on the Inca population by 1591?

<p>The population was devastated due to disease. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the Spanish manage to maintain control of the newly conquered territories in Peru?

<p>Through military force and strategic territorial governance. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Pizarro and the Spanish conquistadors take from the Inca Empire?

<p>Gold, silver, and other valuable commodities. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was established by Manco after the Spanish conquest?

<p>The Neo Inca State which existed until 1572. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the treasure that arrived in Spain was allocated to Spanish merchants and conquistadors?

<p>75% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What new form of currency was created using the silver that arrived in Spain?

<p>Pieces of eight (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the significant economic consequences of the influx of silver into Spain?

<p>Economic stagnation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What strategy did Spanish ships implement to protect against attacks while transporting silver?

<p>Sail in convoys with fighting ships (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which city emerged as a crucial port for Spain's trade with the New World?

<p>Seville (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary function of the Casa de Contratacion in Seville?

<p>To regulate taxes and duties on traded goods (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a result of the increasing demand for goods due to the influx of silver?

<p>Increased prices for goods (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the slave trade as a result of labor shortages in Spain?

<p>Expansion of the slave trade (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a key outcome of the establishment of the Consulado de Mercaderes?

<p>It granted Spanish merchants control over most trade with the Spanish colonies. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor primarily contributed to labor shortages in the New World by the mid-1550s?

<p>The encomienda system causing overwork and death. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the Royal Fifth tax on precious metals?

<p>A 20% tax charged on precious metals extracted from the colonies. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the Casa de Contratacion?

<p>To regulate trade and collect colonial taxes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Seville’s geographic location impact its trade?

<p>It was inconvenient for ships but offered protection from attacks. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What led to the rising wages during the mid-1550s in the New World?

<p>A growing shortage of labor due to native population decline. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the restriction faced by Spanish merchants regarding the West African slave trade?

<p>The Portuguese controlled the slave trade and it was legally restricted for Spain. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the growth of the slave trade impact the encomenderos?

<p>It provided them with a steady supply of labor for their estates. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the primary goals of the Spanish government in governing the New World?

<p>To ensure sufficient food and water supply (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant action did Bartolome de las Casas take in 1542?

<p>He persuaded Charles I to sign the New Laws (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the New Laws regarding the encomienda system?

<p>Encomiendas were to be returned to the Spanish government upon the owner's death (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did viceroys play in Spanish territories?

<p>They were appointed by the Council of the Indies to govern on behalf of the Spanish government (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a responsibility of encomenderos under the encomienda system?

<p>To ensure fair payment to natives for their labor (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary function of cabildos in the Spanish administration?

<p>To manage daily life in towns (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were the audiencias in the context of Spanish governance?

<p>Independent courts that administered justice (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Bartolome de las Casas witness during his time in the New World?

<p>The exploitation and brutality of the native populations by conquistadors (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary function of the Casa de Contratacion after its establishment?

<p>To control all trade and exploration activities. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the Casa de Contratacion contribute to the wealth of Spanish merchants?

<p>By maintaining high prices through a trade monopoly. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the Council of the Indies in relation to the New World?

<p>To manage the affairs of the New World and advise the king. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why was the Casa de Contratacion's secret map, the Padrón Real, significant?

<p>It documented trade routes and land discoveries for Spanish use. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What challenge did the Spanish government face in exercising control over its empire in the New World?

<p>The geographic distance leading to significant delays in communication. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Spanish Exploration (c1490-1512)

Spanish voyages to the Americas, starting with Columbus, seeking trade routes and new territory.

Columbus's First Voyage (1492)

Columbus's initial journey across the Atlantic, landing in the Bahamas.

Columbus and Sponsorship

The financial backing provided by Isabella of Castile (Spain) to enable Christopher Columbus's voyages.

Columbus and the Caribbean

Columbus's interactions with the native inhabitants of the Caribbean islands.

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Rivalry with Portugal

Competition between Spain and Portugal for control of trade routes and newly discovered territories.

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Spanish Claims

The assertions of Spanish ownership of the territories they explored and settled.

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Conquistadors (1513-1528)

Spanish conquerors who established control throughout parts of the Americas following initial exploration.

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Balboa and the Conquistadors

Spaniards who explored and claimed land in Central and South America.

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The Conquest of Cuba

The Spanish takeover of the island of Cuba marking a crucial step in early Spanish expansion in the Americas.

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Magellan's Voyage

Ferdinand Magellan's expedition to circumnavigate the globe with Spanish sponsorship.

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Conquest of Mexico

Spanish subjugation of the Aztec Empire led by Hernan Cortes.

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Expedition to Mexico (1519)

Cortes's arrival and beginning of the Mexican conquest.

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Key Events of the Conquest

Major battles and strategies employed during the overthrow of the Aztecs ultimately resulting in a Spanish victory in 1521.

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Cortes's Actions (1523-28)

Cortes's leadership and strategic choices during the conquest.

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Consequences for the Aztecs

The results of the Spanish conquest on the Aztec people and their civilization.

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Pizarro and Panama

Francisco Pizarro's early explorations and claims to the area in Panama.

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Conquest of the Incas

Pizarro's conquest and control of the Inca Empire in Peru.

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Pizarro's Arrival in Peru

Pizarro's landing in Peru marking the beginning of the Inca conquest.

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Pizarro's Conquest of Peru

The Spanish takeover of the Inca Empire led by Francisco Pizarro.

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Expansion of Empire (c1528-c1555)

Spaniards continue to extend their territory and political control across the Americas

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Discovery of Silver

Significant silver deposits found in Bolivia and Mexico.

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Impact of the New World

The effects of the Americas on Spain.

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Governing the Empire

The methods of administrating the vast new Spanish territories.

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Foundation of La Paz

Establishment of the city of La Paz in 1548.

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Silver and Gold

The major role of precious metals in enriching Spain and facilitating trade.

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Impact of Trade

The effects of trade between Spain and the New World.

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Pizarro's execution of Atahuallpa

Pizarro, despite agreeing to ransom Atahuallpa, accused him of treason and executed him in Cajamarca in 1533, despite pleas from Inca supporters.

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Pizarro's puppet king

Pizarro installed Manco, Atahuallpa's half-brother, as the new Inca emperor, intending to use him as a puppet to control the Inca Empire.

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Inca Revolt of 1536

Manco escaped Pizarro's control and led an Inca revolt against the Spanish in 1536, attacking their base at Cuzco.

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Siege of Cuzco

From 1536 to 1537, Inca warriors besieged the Spanish in Cuzco, burning buildings and using traditional warfare tactics.

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Spanish advantage in the Siege

The Spanish, despite being outnumbered, used cavalry and fire suppression tactics to defend Cuzco during the siege.

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Spanish control of Peru

After the siege, Pizarro consolidated his control over Peru, establishing Lima as the capital, and exploiting Peru's resources.

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Neo Inca State

After the siege, Manco established a separate Inca kingdom, the Neo Inca State, which lasted until 1572.

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Impact of the conquest on the Inca

The Inca Empire was settled by Spaniards, and diseases decimated the Inca population by 93% by 1591.

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Silver's Role in Exploration

Conquistadors sought gold and silver in the New World, fueling explorations and discoveries.

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Silver's Discovery Locations

Silver was discovered in Potosi (Bolivia) and Guanajuato & Zacatecas (Mexico) by 1550.

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Silver Mining Process

Deep mines were dug to extract silver ore, which was then smelted to produce silver coins.

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Mining Towns' Development

Silver mining created towns like Potosi, Guanajuato, and Zacatecas, initially camps that grew into settlements.

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Silver and El Dorado

Silver discoveries fueled rumors of vast wealth like El Dorado, encouraging further exploration.

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Silver's Impact on Colonization

Silver attracted adventurers, merchants, and speculators, leading to increased colonization in the New World.

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Spain's Silver Wealth

Silver bullion from the mines enriched Spain's government, with 25% going directly to the treasury.

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Controlling Colonial Wealth

Spain needed to control its colonies to ensure it received its share of silver wealth.

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Governing the New World

The Spanish government needed to establish effective governance in their newly conquered territories in the Americas. This involved establishing laws, managing daily life, rewarding conquistadors, and maintaining peace.

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Bartolome de las Casas

A Spanish priest who witnessed the brutality of conquistadors in Cuba and became a vocal advocate for the rights of Indigenous people. He wrote a book condemning their mistreatment and persuaded King Charles I to enact the New Laws.

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What were the New Laws?

Enacted by King Charles I in 1542, they aimed to improve the lives of Indigenous people by outlawing enslavement, limiting tribute collection, and returning land to the Spanish government after an encomendero's death.

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Who were the Viceroys?

High-ranking officials appointed by the Spanish Council of the Indies to govern Spanish territories in the New World. They had great power and oversaw the administration of justice and daily life.

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What were Cabildos?

Town councils responsible for managing daily life in Spanish-controlled cities and towns. They dealt with local affairs and worked under the authority of the viceroys.

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What were Audiencias?

Courts that handled legal matters in the Spanish colonies and were independent from the viceroys, ensuring a degree of fairness in justice.

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What is the Encomienda System?

A system where a Spaniard was granted land and Indigenous workers by the Crown, demanding tribute and ensuring conversion to Christianity. Encomenderos were responsible for defending their territory and had to prevent exploitation of their workers.

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How did the Encomienda System Work?

The encomienda system was designed as a way to both reward conquistadors and control the Indigenous population through forced labor and conversion to Christianity. Encomenderos were expected to protect their workers and pay for religious instruction.

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Seville's Wealth

Seville became one of the wealthiest cities in Europe by 1550 due to its monopoly over trade with the New World, making its merchants very rich.

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Casa de Contratacion

The Casa de Contratacion was a Spanish government body that controlled all trade between Spain and its colonies in the New World. It collected taxes, regulated trade, and made sure Spanish merchants had a monopoly.

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Consulado de Mercaderes

This merchants' guild, formed by Spanish merchants, gained a monopoly over trade with the New World. They effectively controlled prices and gained huge profits.

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Labour Shortage

In the Americas, the native population was decimated by diseases and overwork, leading to a labour shortage. This demand for workers created rising wages.

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Slave Trade

Due to the labour shortage, African slaves were brought to the New World to work on plantations and in mines. This became a major source of income for Spanish merchants.

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Treaty of Tordesillas

This treaty divided the world between Spain and Portugal, limiting Spanish access to African slaves.

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Asientos

Licences granted by the Spanish government to merchants, allowing them to buy slaves from the Portuguese and sell them in the New World.

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Royal Fifth

A 20% tax levied by the Spanish government on all precious metals mined in the New World. This was a significant source of income for Spain.

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Pieces of Eight

Eight-sided silver coins minted by Spain from New World treasure, used for trade with other European countries.

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Inflation in Spain

Rising prices in Spain caused by the influx of silver, as demand for goods increased and merchants raised prices to profit from increased demand for their products.

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Spanish Treasure Fleets

Groups of ships carrying silver from the New World to Spain, protected by armed galleons to defend against pirates and privateers.

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Privateers and Treasure Fleets

Privateers, funded by hostile governments, attacked Spanish treasure fleets for profit.

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Seville's Importance

The port city of Seville was a major hub for trade with the New World, with all goods required to pass through the Casa de Contratacion (House of Trade).

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Spanish Monopoly

Spain held exclusive control over trade with its colonies in the New World, benefiting Spanish merchants and the government.

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Silver's Impact on Industries

Spain's reliance on silver led to slower development of other industries, as people focused on the silver wealth rather than other economic activities.

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Labor Shortages and Slave Trade

Spain's control over the New World trade caused labor shortages, leading to an increase in the slave trade.

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What role did the Casa de Contratacion play in creating a trade monopoly for Spain?

The Casa granted licenses for voyages, administered trade rules, and kept secret information about trade routes and new discoveries. This gave Spain complete control over all trade with its colonies, ensuring that only Spanish merchants could participate. They also maintained a secret map, known as the Padrón Real, which was updated as new land was discovered.

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Council of the Indies

This council, formed in 1524, was based in Spain and controlled all matters relating to the New World. It reviewed messages from viceroys, made recommendations to the king, and issued decisions back to the colonies. This was an attempt by the Spanish government to maintain control over its empire.

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What challenges did the Spanish government face in controlling its colonies?

The Council of the Indies was based far away in Spain, and communication could take months to reach the colonies. This meant that the viceroys, stationed in the New World, had a great deal of autonomy and often made decisions without consulting the council. The Spanish government struggled to balance the need for control with the reality of distance.

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What was the purpose of the Padrón Real?

This secret map was created by the Casa de Contratacion in 1508 to keep track of trade routes and new land discoveries. It was updated as new territory was claimed, ensuring that Spain maintained a monopoly on navigation and trade. It was a key element in Spain's strategy to control its burgeoning empire.

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Study Notes

Overview of Spanish Exploration and Settlement

  • 1490s: Spain had ambitions in religion and trade.
  • 1479: Spain was politically united.
  • 1490s: Muslims and Jews expelled (unless converted to Christianity).
  • Christianity was powerful, with the Catholic Church influential.
  • Crusades: religious expeditions aiming to convert people to Christianity.
  • Foreign ambitions involved trade and land acquisition.
  • Desire to expand Spanish influence and territory.
  • Exploration was driven by desire for wealth (gold and silver).

Columbus and Sponsorship

  • Christopher Columbus sought sponsorship for a voyage across the Atlantic.
  • The voyage aimed at creating a new sea route to the East Indies.
  • Columbus was looking for trading routes and profits.
  • The Canaries and Madeira had spurred interest in new lands.
  • Ferdinand and Isabella supported him in 1491 to open up trade routes.
  • Financial support was crucial for voyages.
  • Isabella saw the voyage as a chance to spread Christianity.
  • 1492: Columbus hired ships to embark on his voyage.
  • Rewards for success included a title and governorship.

Columbus's First Voyage

  • August 3, 1492: Columbus set sail from Palos, Spain.
  • October 12, 1492: Columbus landed on San Salvador Island.
  • Columbus called the native people "Indians".
  • Columbus's plans involved sighting Japan.
  • Columbus met native people and traded goods.

The Bahamas and the Caribbean.

  • 1491: Columbus claimed San Salvador for Spain.
  • Columbus searched for gold in the Bahamas and the Caribbean.
  • Columbus established a settlement - La Navidad.
  • Columbus searched further south after not finding gold.
  • La Navidad was problematic (initial conflicts with natives), and 39 sailors were left behind.
  • Columbus and the Nina returned to Europe in March 1493.

Initial Contact with Native People

  • Initial contact was peaceful, leading to trade.
  • Taino people believed the Spanish were "men from the sky".
  • Different tribes had different interactions with the Spanish.
  • Columbus noted the Taino as peaceful, potentially good slaves.
  • Caribs were described as aggressive and cannibals.

Columbus's Second Voyage/Further Voyages

  • 1493-96: Columbus's second voyage with a large fleet.
  • 1496: Columbus returned to Spain.
  • 1498: Columbus made voyages (1498-1500, and 1502-1504).
  • Exploration continued with voyages to new islands/territories.
  • Columbus established a colony and was in charge of the new lands.
  • Columbus faced challenges in his various voyages such as management, revolts, and conflicts with natives.

The Treaty of Tordesillas

  • Rivalry between Portugal and Spain over control of the New World.
  • 1494: Treaty of Tordesillas divided the New World territories between Spain and Portugal.
  • The line was 370 leagues west of the Cape Verde Islands.
  • The treaty helped resolve disputes and settle claims.
  • The Treaty gave Spain major control of the New World.

Effects of Spanish Settlement

  • Spanish settlement had significant effects on the native population.
  • Forced conversion to Christianity.
  • Encomienda system, exploiting natives for labor.
  • Introduction of new diseases (smallpox, measles).
  • Native population decimated.
  • The Spanish also introduced gold and silver exploitation.

Development of an Imperial Policy

  • The Spanish empire needed to have rules/policies to control trade and religion.
  • Regulations for exploration and the establishment of trade monopolies were implemented.
  • The Casa de Contratación (House of Trade) controlled all trade with the Caribbean, and a portion of the profits were given to the Spanish treasury.
  • Laws were put in place to control the Spanish settlers and the native population.

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Explore the key events and motivations behind the Spanish exploration and settlement in the 1490s, including the role of Christopher Columbus and the ambitions of Spain. Understand the political and religious context that shaped these expeditions, particularly the influence of the Catholic Church and the drive for wealth and territory.

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