Lesson 2: Spain’s Conquests in the Americas

Key Idea

After failing to find a new trade route to Asia, Spain sought wealth in the Americas. The Spanish crown sent soldiers to claim land and conquer any group that stood in their way. Led by figures like Hernán Cortés, they used superior weapons and the spread of disease to defeat the powerful Aztec and Inca empires.

Following the soldiers came Catholic missionaries, who worked to convert Native Americans to Christianity. This combination of military conquest and religious conversion established a vast Spanish empire, extracted resources, and permanently transformed the lives and cultures of the people native to the Americas.

Key Idea

Following Columbus’s voyages, Spanish soldiers and adventurers sailed to the Americas seeking opportunity. These men became known as conquistadors, or conquerors. Many were poor nobles in Spain with few chances to gain wealth or improve their social standing at home.

The primary motivations for these expeditions were gold and glory. The conquistadors dreamed of finding treasure, claiming land, and winning fame for their actions. By conquering territory for the Spanish crown, they hoped to become powerful and rich.

Key Idea

Lured by stories of gold, a Spanish conquistador named Hernán Cortés led an expedition to Mexico in 1519. He and his soldiers had steel weapons, guns, and horses, which the Aztecs had never seen. Cortés also formed alliances with local groups who were enemies of the powerful Aztec Empire.

Cortés marched on the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan. After a long and brutal siege, the Spanish and their allies captured and destroyed the city in 1521. On the ruins, the Spanish built Mexico City, which became a center of Spanish power, enriched by silver from nearby mines.

Key Idea

The Spanish had more than just military advantages. Some Aztecs believed Hernán Cortés might be the returning god Quetzalcoatl. This belief made the Aztec emperor, Montezuma, hesitate to attack the Spanish immediately. Cortés used this confusion to his advantage as he marched toward the Aztec capital.

Cortés also had a powerful ally named Malintzin. She was a native woman who served as his interpreter and advisor. Malintzin helped Cortés understand local politics and form alliances with groups who resented Aztec rule. These alliances gave the Spanish thousands of native soldiers.