Colonization of South America

Overview

• South America was colonized primarily by Spain and Portugal between the 15th and 17th centuries.
• The process involved conquest, resource exploitation, and settlement establishment.
• Other European powers like the Dutch, English, and French also attempted colonization.

Key Explorers and Conquerors

• Christopher Columbus: Arrived in the Americas in 1492, sponsored by Spain.
• Amerigo Vespucci and Hernán Cortés: Significant explorers following Columbus.
• Francisco Pizarro and Hernán Cortés: Conquered the Inca and Aztec empires, respectively.

Spanish Colonization

• Established territories: Viceroyalty of Peru, Viceroyalty of New Granada, Captaincy General of Chile.
• Conquered vast areas including Central America and the Caribbean.
• Established towns and converted natives to Christianity, often making them slaves.

Portuguese Colonization

• Focused on Brazil, establishing sugar plantations.
• Treaty of Tordesillas (1494) divided the New World between Spain and Portugal.
• Land was divided into captaincies governed by a donatário.

Impact on Native Populations

• Arrival of Europeans brought diseases like smallpox, measles, and influenza.
• Native populations suffered massive decline, with around 95% perishing.
• European settlers disregarded native claims and cultures, often enslaving them.

Other European Involvements

• The Dutch: Attempted colonization in Brazil, established colonies in the Caribbean and Dutch Guiana.
• The Swedish: Established colonies in North America, but were overtaken by the Dutch.

Independence Movements

• South American nations gained independence between 1810 and 1825.
• Dutch Guiana gained independence from the Netherlands in 1975.

Legacy of Colonization

• Colonization reshaped global geography and politics.
• Native civilizations and histories were largely erased or overshadowed.
• Independence efforts were significant in shaping modern South American nations.