Spanish Colonization
Spanish colonization, beginning in the late 15th century, was the process by which Spain expanded its territories in the Americas and other regions. After Christopher Columbus's voyage in 1492, Spain established settlements, exploiting natural resources and indigenous populations. They aimed to spread Christianity, claiming land for the Spanish Crown. Colonization led to significant cultural exchanges but also the decline of native civilizations due to disease, warfare, and forced labor. Notable events include the conquests of the Aztec and Inca Empires. By the 18th century, Spanish America had become a vast colonial empire influencing language, culture, and politics in the Americas.
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Spanish colonization refers to the period during the late 15th to the early 19th centuries when Spain established territories in the Americas, parts of Africa, and Asia. Following Christopher Columbus's 1492 voyage, Spain claimed vast lands, implementing a system of encomienda that exploited indigenous populations for labor and resources. The Spanish spread Christianity, introducing missions and converting many indigenous people. This colonization led to significant cultural exchanges but also resulted in violence, disease, and the destruction of native societies. The Spanish Empire grew to be one of the largest in history before declining in the 19th century due to independence movements.