Crash Course World History: Global Impact of Spanish Empire

Introduction

• Topic: Impact of Spanish influence globally, especially during the 16th century.
• Themes: Spanish conquests, Aztecs, Incas, and the silver trade.

The Aztec Empire

• Formation: Alliance of three cities in modern Mexico around 1430. (Texcoco, Tenochtitlan, Tlacopán)
• Structure: Hierarchical system with an emperor and nobles similar to Europe.
• Religion: Cyclical history with human sacrifices to appease gods.
• Expansion: Controlled southern Mexico, parts of Guatemala, Yucatan; demanded tribute from conquered peoples.
• Downfall: Internal resentment made it easier for Cortez to find allies.
• Achievements: Built Tenochtitlan (modern day Mexico City), floating gardens (chinampas).

The Inca Empire

• Formation: Founded in the 13th century, ruled 4-6 million people by 1532.
• Infrastructure: Impressive roads and temples built using mit’a system (unpaid labor).
• Administration: Effective integration of conquered peoples, use of quipus for records.
• Downfall: Conquered by the Spanish in 1532.

Spanish Conquest

• Arrival in Mexico (1519) and Peru (1532), diseases aiding conquest.
• Administrative Divisions: Vice royalty of New Spain (1521) and Peru (1542).
• Use of Inca’s mit’a system adapted for silver mining.

The Silver Trade

• Spanish mines produced 150,000 tons of silver (16th-18th century), 80% of the world’s supply.
• Spain became the richest nation; silver pesos as de-facto currency.
• Inflation: Spanish failure to adjust tax rates led to financial problems.
• Wars: Funded many wars in Europe, especially under Charles V and Philip II.
• Ended up giving his territory to his brother, Ferdinand (Austria region) and his son, Phillip (Spain/America region)

Global Impact of Silver

• China: Switched to silver currency; Ming Dynasty taxed in silver.
• Consequences: Inflation in China, economic struggles in Spain.
• Environment: Depletion of resources, mercury poisoning in mines.

Conclusion

• Silver trade marked the first global market, far-reaching consequences.
• Led to the destruction of Aztec and Inca empires.
• John Green questions the worth of these sacrifices, invites viewers to reflect.