Exploración y Conquista de Nueva México

The Exploración y Conquista de Nueva México refers to the efforts by Spanish explorers and soldiers in the 16th and 17th centuries to discover, map, and establish control over the region now known as New Mexico. This involved expeditions into the American Southwest, driven by the goals of expanding Spain's empire, spreading Christianity, and finding wealth. Spanish conquistadors, like Juan de Oñate, led military campaigns and established settlements, often clashing with Indigenous peoples. These efforts significantly impacted local cultures and geography, laying the groundwork for centuries of Spanish influence in the Southwest.