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Spanish conquistadors

Definition

Spanish conquistadors were explorers and conquerors from Spain who ventured into the New World during the Age of Discovery. They aimed to expand Spanish territory, spread Christianity, and acquire wealth through exploration and conquest.

Analogy

Think of Spanish conquistadors as adventurous treasure hunters who set sail in search of fame, fortune, and new lands like modern-day explorers looking for hidden treasures or exotic destinations.

Related terms

New World: The term "New World" refers to the Americas (North and South America) that were unknown to Europeans before Columbus's voyage.

Conquest: Conquest is the act of taking control or defeating another group or nation by force. It often involves military campaigns and territorial expansion.

Colonization: Colonization is the process where a foreign power establishes settlements in a new territory with the intention of controlling it politically, economically, and culturally. The Spanish conquistadors engaged in colonization by establishing colonies throughout Mesoamerica.