Conquest in the Americas

Conquest in the AmericasBy Hendrik Wilhelm

Christopher ColumbusIn 1492, He reached the Caribbean islands

(West Indies)Columbus encountered the TaínoClaimed their land for Spain, taking

prisoners black with himHe forced them to give him gold

or they killed them

Hernán CortésHe was another Spanish explorerHe fought against the AztecsMalinche (Indian woman) helped him to arrange

alliances with the conquered peopleAztec ruler Moctezuma failed to keep Cortes from

coming to TenochtitlanCortes imprisoned Moctezuma and compelled him

to sign over lands and treasure to the Spanish1512, Spain destroyed Tenochtitlan and rebuilt it

to “Mexico-City”

Francisco PizarroHe was interested in Peru's Inca empireThis empire was richer than the AztecsHe arrived in Peru just after a civil warPizarro captured him and Atahualpa was

killed by the SpanishPizarro won over the Incan heartlandHe was killed by a rival Spanish group

SpainThe Spanish took vast fortunes in gold and

silver, making Spain the greatest power of Europe

They opened an exchange of goods, people and ideas trough sea routes.

QuizWho were the three main explorer?

Did they conquered their lands with force or with peace ?

What wanted Spain?