In this Grade 7 lesson from California myWorld Interactive Chapter 9, students examine how Spain built and governed its colonial empire in the Americas, including the roles of viceroys, the encomienda system, and the Catholic Church's mission network. Students analyze how Spanish colonialism created a new blended society through terms like peninsulare, creole, mestizo, and mulatto, while exploring the cultural and economic effects on Native American populations. The lesson also traces key explorations by figures such as Ponce de León, De Soto, and Coronado as Spain expanded its territorial control from the Caribbean to the Philippines.
Section 1
Spanish Explorers Claim New Territories
Following Columbus’s voyages, Spain sent waves of adventurers to the Americas. These Spanish conquistadors, or conquerors, hoped to find gold, spread Christianity, and claim land for the Spanish crown.
These explorers pushed deep into the continents. In 1513, Juan Ponce de León landed in and named Florida. He was one of the first Europeans to set foot in what is now the United States.
Section 2
Spain Controls Its American Empire
To rule his vast American lands from across the ocean, the king of Spain appointed powerful officials called viceroys. These leaders governed the colonies in the king's name, enforcing Spanish laws and ensuring that resources like gold and silver were sent back to Spain.
The Catholic Church also helped Spain control its empire. Priests traveled to the Americas to establish missions, which were religious communities. In these missions, priests worked to convert Native Americans to Christianity and teach them Spanish customs, extending the empire's cultural influence.
Section 3
Spain Builds an Economy on Forced Labor
Spain’s main goal in the Americas was to increase its wealth. Colonists extracted vast amounts of gold and silver from mines and established large plantations to grow cash crops.
To provide labor for these operations, the Spanish created the encomienda system. This system granted colonists control over Native Americans, forcing them to work in mines and on farms under harsh conditions.
Section 4
Spanish Rule Created a Social Pyramid
In the Spanish colonies, a person's place in society depended on their family background and where they were born. This created a strict social pyramid where some groups had far more power and wealth than others.
At the very top were the peninsulares, people born in Spain. They held the most important jobs in government and the Church. Below them were creoles, who were of Spanish descent but born in the Americas and had less influence.
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Section 1
Spanish Explorers Claim New Territories
Following Columbus’s voyages, Spain sent waves of adventurers to the Americas. These Spanish conquistadors, or conquerors, hoped to find gold, spread Christianity, and claim land for the Spanish crown.
These explorers pushed deep into the continents. In 1513, Juan Ponce de León landed in and named Florida. He was one of the first Europeans to set foot in what is now the United States.
Section 2
Spain Controls Its American Empire
To rule his vast American lands from across the ocean, the king of Spain appointed powerful officials called viceroys. These leaders governed the colonies in the king's name, enforcing Spanish laws and ensuring that resources like gold and silver were sent back to Spain.
The Catholic Church also helped Spain control its empire. Priests traveled to the Americas to establish missions, which were religious communities. In these missions, priests worked to convert Native Americans to Christianity and teach them Spanish customs, extending the empire's cultural influence.
Section 3
Spain Builds an Economy on Forced Labor
Spain’s main goal in the Americas was to increase its wealth. Colonists extracted vast amounts of gold and silver from mines and established large plantations to grow cash crops.
To provide labor for these operations, the Spanish created the encomienda system. This system granted colonists control over Native Americans, forcing them to work in mines and on farms under harsh conditions.
Section 4
Spanish Rule Created a Social Pyramid
In the Spanish colonies, a person's place in society depended on their family background and where they were born. This created a strict social pyramid where some groups had far more power and wealth than others.
At the very top were the peninsulares, people born in Spain. They held the most important jobs in government and the Church. Below them were creoles, who were of Spanish descent but born in the Americas and had less influence.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter