Overview
This lecture covers major Spanish conquistadors, their expeditions and impacts, and how their actions radically changed the Americas for Europeans and Native Americans.
Hernán Cortés and the Fall of the Aztec Empire
- Cortés, born in Spain in 1485, sought fame and fortune in the Americas.
- Ignored orders to halt his expedition and led 600 men to Mexico in 1519.
- Formed alliances with indigenous groups like the Totomac and Tlaxcalans, former Aztec enemies.
- Used military force, intimidation, and brutal tactics against cities like Cholula.
- Entered Tenochtitlan under peaceful pretenses, captured Emperor Montezuma II, used him as a puppet.
- After losing control, regrouped and besieged the city; Aztec Empire fell August 13, 1521.
- The city was destroyed and rebuilt as Mexico City; massive loss of life and culture.
Other Major Conquistadors
- Francisco Pizarro conquered the weakened Inca Empire (1533), executed the emperor, and looted Cusco.
- Juan Ponce de León explored Florida and the Atlantic coast; the “Fountain of Youth” legend is a myth.
- Pánfilo de Narváez explored the Gulf Coast; his expedition ended in disaster with few survivors.
- Hernando de Soto explored the Southeast U.S., crossed the Mississippi River, died mid-expedition, and found little wealth.
- Francisco Vázquez de Coronado explored the American Southwest, searched for mythical golden cities, and went bankrupt.
Consequences of Conquest
- Spain controlled much of the Americas for a century, channelling wealth to Europe.
- The "Three G's" — Gold, Glory, and God — motivated Spanish conquest.
- Forced conversion to Catholicism was common, though some like Bartolomé de las Casas advocated for Native rights.
- The Colombian Exchange transferred foods, animals, diseases, and culture between the Old and New Worlds.
Impact on Native Americans
- Diseases like smallpox devastated Native populations (up to 90% mortality in some areas).
- Social and religious upheaval followed due to epidemic deaths and forced conversions.
- Loss of indigenous knowledge and culture was widespread; the memory of great Native empires faded.
- The mestizo class (mixed Spanish and Native descent) emerged, leading to a blended culture in Latin America.
- Native Americans expected violence from all Europeans based on Spanish precedent, shaping future interactions.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Conquistador — Spanish conqueror, especially of the Americas.
- Mestizo — Person of mixed European and Native American ancestry.
- Colombian Exchange — The transfer of plants, animals, people, and diseases between the Americas and the rest of the world after Columbus.
- Virgin soil epidemic — An outbreak of disease in a population with no previous exposure or immunity.
- Bartolomé de las Casas — Spanish priest who advocated for better treatment of Native Americans.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Read the Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca account for discussion board assignment.