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Spanish Colonization of the Americas

Definition

This refers to Spain's conquests in North and South America from late 15th century until about 1821. During this period, Spain established numerous colonies across these continents for economic gain (especially gold) and religious conversion purposes.

Analogy

Imagine you're playing a game where you have to claim territories on a map. That's what Spain did during its colonization - it claimed vast territories across North and South America just like players would do in such games!

Related terms

Conquistadors: These were Spanish explorers who conquered large areas of Central America, South America, and Mexico during Spain’s colonization efforts.

Encomienda System: A labor system instituted by Spain in American colonies where indigenous people were forced to work for Spanish landowners in exchange for protection and Christian education.

Columbian Exchange: The widespread transfer of plants, animals, culture, human populations, technology, diseases, and ideas between the Americas and the Old World in the 15th and 16th centuries.