Spanish Colonies in the New World

1-17-2012

Conquest of the Aztecs

Led by Hernando Corts Sailed to Mexico in search of Gold in 1519 Allied with Native Americans against Montezuma, leader of the Aztecs Aztec Empire fell in 1521

Aztec Legend of Quetzcoatl

Feathered serpent god He would return to rule over the Aztecs as a king Cortez as Quetzcoatl????

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qz3LyIJNoF8

Spanish Advantages: technology, hatred of the Aztecs among Native Americans, Aztec belief in Quetzcoatl Aztec Advantages: numbers, knowledge of terrain

Conquest of the Incas

Led by Francisco Pizarro Less than 200 soldiers Captured Atahualpa, the leader and executed him Without a leader, the Incan Empire crumbled

Explorers
Hernando de Soto Florida Francisco Coronado New Mexico Faced Native American resistance Searched for gold Had little success

Settlement of New Spain

Pueblos towns that were the centers of farming and trade Plaza center of the town where people came to do business and go to church Presidio fort where soldiers lived Mission religious settlement Encomienda a grant of land to a Spaniard which included the right to tax and use Native American labor

Columbian Exchange
Trade of goods between the Americas and Europe/Africa/Asia Europeans introduced pigs, cattle, and horses, plants (daisies and dandelions) and diseases Americans introduced potatoes, corn, beans, tomatoes, peanuts, squash, and survival skills

Columbian Exchange