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Conquest

Definition

Conquest refers to the act of gaining control over a territory through military force or political influence. In the context of Spanish exploration during the Columbian Exchange, conquest involved subjugating indigenous populations and establishing dominance over their lands.

Analogy

Conquest is like taking over someone else's house by force and making it your own.

Related terms

Imperialism: Imperialism is a policy or ideology where one nation extends its power over other regions through colonization or military domination.

Encomienda system: The encomienda system was a labor system in which Spaniards were granted land along with Native American laborers who they were responsible for converting to Christianity and exploiting economically.

Pizarro's conquest of the Inca Empire: Pizarro's conquest was an example of Spanish conquistadors overthrowing and colonizing established native empires in South America.