Spanish Empire in the Western Hemisphere

Definition

The Spanish Empire in the Western Hemisphere refers to territories claimed by Spain starting with Christopher Columbus’s discovery of America for Spain in 1492. It included large areas of North and South America as well as numerous islands in Caribbean Sea.

Analogy

Imagine if one student took over all group projects at school - that's what Spain did when they established their empire. They controlled vast territories just like how that student would control all aspects of those projects.

Related terms

Conquistadors: These were explorers/soldiers from Spain who sought fortune through colonization and conversion efforts primarily during 16th century.

Encomienda System: A labor system instituted by Spanish crown during colonization which allowed colonizers right to demand labor or tribute from indigenous people living on land.

Spanish Missions: These were religious and military outposts established by Spanish Catholics to spread Christianity among the local Native Americans.