Spain and the New World

    Cards (13)

    • In 1500 Spain was a new nation after king Ferdinand and Queen Isabella got married.
    • On October 12 Christopher Columbus landed his ship on the Bahamas.
    • Hispaniola & Cuba:
      Locals worked the land under management of their Chiefs. Payed a portion of their produce to the Spanish holder. Native islanders were forced to mine for gold and silver.
    • Diego Velazquez:
      • Wanted to be rich and powerful
      • Believe gold could be found in central america
    • Conquistadors:
      • In their twenties and early thirties
      • Unmarried
      • Few minor nobles
      • Middle and lower class
      • Had fighting experience
      • Few professional soldiers
      • Income relied on success
      • Could not find income in Spain
    • Europeans excited to discover new worlds and expanding human knowledge
    • Reports of a fountain of youth in the americas. Myths like this were common
    • Early 16th century time of economic hardship in Spain, especially in agricultural west
    • The long war of Reconquista against Muslim occupiers had created a strong military culture in Spain.
    • Spain was a new country and many wanted it to become an Empire.
    • Spain had a huge demand for gold and america was said to have loads.
    • The Spanish monarchs wanted to win approval of pope by converting the Aztecs
    • Resources in Hispaniola and Cuba were used up