Spanish Colonization in the New World

Initial Colonization Efforts

• Began after 1493, focused primarily on the Caribbean islands.
• Hispaniola was the first island colonized, followed by Cuba, which became the administrative center.

Shift to Mainland Colonization

• In 1519, the Spanish began focusing on mainland colonization.
• Hernán Cortés was commissioned to occupy the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan.

Spanish Conquest of Tenochtitlan

• 1519: Hernán Cortés undertakes the expedition with 11 ships and 500 men.
• Aztec Defense: Emperor Montezuma commanded a large army, estimated at 200,000 warriors.
• Cortés's Advantages:
  1. Technological Advantage: Horses, gunpowder, and muskets (arc bus).
  2. Psychological Advantage: Aztecs perceived Spanish technology as god-like.
  3. Political Advantage: Division among native groups allowed alliances with Cortés.
  4. Biological Advantage: Introduction of smallpox weakened the Aztec population.

Course of Events

• 1519-1521: Cortés strengthens his position, leveraging Dona Marina as an intermediary.
• Noche Triste (1520): Aztecs temporarily regain control, but smallpox decimates them.
• Summer 1521: Spanish occupy Tenochtitlan, establish Mexico City.

Expansion Beyond Mexico

• Florida
  • 1513: Ponce de Leon explores Florida.
  • 1521: Attempted settlement fails.
  • 1565: St. Augustine established by Pedro Menendez de Aviles.
• New Mexico
  • 1539: Coronado's brutal first contact.
  • 1598: Juan de Onate establishes a settlement.
  • Santa Fe: Established in 1609.
  • 1680: Pueblo Revolt led by Pope; Spanish temporarily abandoned Santa Fe.

Impact of Colonization

• Economic Impact: Silver from Zacatecas was crucial for the Spanish treasury.
• Resistance and Rebellion: Native resistance was significant but ultimately subdued.

Conclusion

• Spanish colonization efforts expanded from the Caribbean to the mainland, eventually reaching Florida, New Mexico, and beyond.