The Spanish Invasion of the Caribbean

The Spanish Invasion

• The Spanish arrival in the Caribbean in 1492 astonished the indigenous people
• The invaders were initially disappointed by the lack of gold and other riches
• Indigenous inhabitants were labeled as "Indians" and considered less worthy of respect
• Later voyages to the New World attracted few settlers due to funding issues
• Columbus was removed from governorship for administrative issues

Spanish Legacies and Caribbean Trials

• Spanish expeditions were financed by borrowed capital, making trade goods vital
• The Spanish crown replaced Columbus in the New World due to mismanagement
• Islands were explored and settled, using indigenous labor for gold mining
• The Spanish sought profits through agriculture and other business ventures
• There was limited opportunity to the native population under Spanish rule

Who Were These Spaniards?

• Iberia was under Roman rule from the 1st to 5th centuries AD
• Visigoths and Muslims later invaded the area, shaping the cultures
• A unified Spanish monarchy emerged by the 16th century, largely from Castile
• Queen Isabel of Castile married King Ferdinand of Aragón, strengthening the crown
• They attempted to balance the power of the nobility and the monarchy

The Spanish Invasion

• Spanish conquistadors were inspired by the Reconquista
• Military conquest, religious crusading, and seizing assets were interconnected
• Merchants and other commoners were also involved in conquering the New World
• The Castilian monarchy's economy was based on agriculture (grains, sheep, olives, wine)
• Fewer resources were invested in ventures, prompting expeditions to other lands

Fernando Cortés

• Fernando Cortés (1485-1547) was born in Extremadura, Spain
• Initial plans for legal career were abandoned in favor of sailing to the Caribbean
• He joined Velázquez in the conquest of Cuba, gaining experience
• Fernando Cortés led an expedition (1519) seeking riches and lands
• He consolidated his authority in the New World

The Initial Reception

• Cortés's ships landed in Cozumel, where he encountered previously shipwrecked Spaniards
• He met Jerónimo de Aguilar, who spoke the local language
• Further encounters with the locals were at Potonchan, where a battle occurred
• Cortés accepted gifts of maidens, including Marina who became his interpreter
• He planned to reach Moctezuma and the Aztec empire

The Tlaxcalans and Reports to Moctezuma

• Moctezuma sent envoys to Cortés initially seeking a peace agreement
• The Aztecs and Spaniards met with a mixed reception
• Cortés learned of the Tlaxcalans' hostility toward the Aztecs, which led him to forge an alliance
• Cortés marched into Moctezuma's land, despite warnings of potential dangers

The Cholula Massacre

• Cortés's forces attacked Cholula, a former Tlaxcalan ally, with heavy casualties
• This event was perceived as a turning point for the Spanish advance
• The Tlaxcalans were critical in resisting Aztec attacks

This quiz covers the impact of the Spanish invasion in the Caribbean starting in 1492. Explore the motivations of the Spanish explorers, the indigenous peoples' reactions, and the legacies left behind. Delve into the complex interactions and economic aspirations that shaped this critical period in history.