Central and South America

Definition

These are regions in Americas located south of Mexico. They were home to advanced civilizations such as Maya & Aztec before being colonized primarily by Spain & Portugal during Age of Discovery.

Analogy

Imagine Central & South America as a treasure chest in a video game - filled with resources (like gold & silver) that attracted European powers (players), who wanted to claim these treasures for themselves.

Related terms

Conquistadors: Spanish explorers who conquered large areas of Central and South America in 15th & 16th centuries.

Columbian Exchange: The widespread transfer of plants, animals, culture human populations etc., between Americas & Old World following Christopher Columbus's voyages.

Encomienda System: A labor system in Spanish America where the Spanish had the right to extract labor from indigenous people in exchange for teaching them Christianity.