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Spanish conquistadors

Definition

Spanish conquistadors were explorers and conquerors from Spain who sought to expand their empire during the Age of Exploration. They played a significant role in the colonization of the Americas by subjugating indigenous civilizations and establishing European dominance.

Analogy

Imagine Spanish conquistadors as determined treasure hunters equipped with armor, swords, and ships sailing across the ocean to find new lands filled with riches. They were like real-life adventurers on a quest for gold and glory.

Related terms

Hernán Cortés: Hernán Cortés was a famous Spanish conquistador who led the expedition that resulted in the fall of the Aztec Empire in present-day Mexico. His conquest marked a turning point in Mesoamerican history.

Francisco Pizarro: Francisco Pizarro was another prominent Spanish conquistador who conquered the Inca Empire in present-day Peru. He captured their ruler Atahualpa and claimed vast territories for Spain.

Encomienda System: The encomienda system was a labor system implemented by Spanish colonizers where indigenous people were forced to work under harsh conditions on plantations or mines. It exploited native populations for economic gain.