From Days Before Time: Early Europeans Look Westward
In the early 15th century, Europe is a patchwork of small kingdoms and principalities in competition with powerful Moslem nations. Enterprising mariners seeking to establish trade with Asia look for routes that will avoid potential conflict with the...
From Days Before Time: Impact of Spanish Colonization on Native Populations
Two centuries of conflict leave its mark on both Native American and Spanish cultures. The Indian population is ravaged not only by warfare and enslavement, but also by diseases introduced with the arrival of Europeans. Europeans also introduce the ...
From Days Before Time: Spanish Conquistadors, The
In time, Spanish explorers stop thinking of the Americas as simply an obstacle en route to Asia. They see it as a potential source of wealth, and claim the entire New World for Spain. Spanish monarchs do not have their own military force. Instead t...
From Days Before Time: Spanish Approach to Colonization Ignites Indian Uprisings
Small numbers of farmers, artisans, and government officials also migrate from Spain to the New World in the 16th and 17th centuries. Survival is difficult, but those who do withstand the challenges of the New World are those who align themselves wi...
From Days Before Time: Spanish Engage in Slavery to Fill Labor Needs
Although the conquistadors continue to search for riches in other Aztec-like empires, they soon find a more tangible incentive in the conscription of a slave labor force for their Caribbean colonies. The Spanish and the Portuguese are among the firs...
From Days Before Time: Religious Motivation for Spanish Colonization
The Franciscan missionaries are appalled by the violence of the conquistadors and lobby the king to reduce their power. The Indian population sees an advantage to accepting the Franciscans as protectors, but realize that this too will come with a pr...