⚔ CONQUISTA y COLONIZACIÓN de AMÉRICA ⚔ para NIÑOS
Introduction to the Conquest and Colonization of America
Overview of the Topic
- Miguel Fernández Collado introduces the subject of social sciences, focusing specifically on the history of the conquest and colonization of America.
- The discussion begins with Christopher Columbus's attempt to find a new route to India, which mistakenly led him to America in 1492.
Stages of Conquest
- The rapid conquest of America is attributed to the disunity among Indigenous peoples.
- Key events include Hernán Cortés's conquest of the Aztec Empire in 1521, exploiting local hostilities against Emperor Moctezuma.
- Francisco Pizarro's defeat of Inca Emperor Atahualpa in 1532 also utilized rivalries among Indigenous groups.
Other Notable Expeditions
Additional Conquests
- Mentioned expeditions include Diego Almagro and Pedro Valdivia’s conquests in Chile.
- Exploration efforts by Francisco de Orellana and Lope de Aguirre in the Amazon are highlighted.
- North American explorations by Vázquez de Coronado and Cabeza de Vaca are also noted.
Organization of Colonial Territory
Administrative Structure
- Two types of governing bodies were established: those located in Spain (e.g., Casa de Contratación in Seville controlling trade).
- The Council of Indies advised the Spanish crown on colonial matters.
Territorial Divisions
- The Americas were divided into two viceroyalties: New Spain (Central America and Mexico), and Peru (South America).
Economic Aspects
Trade and Wealth Extraction
- The Casa de Contratación monopolized trade between Spain and its colonies, ensuring that all commerce went through it.
- The Spanish crown claimed one-fifth (the "quinto") of all wealth extracted from new territories, incentivizing exploitation.
Social Hierarchy in Colonial Society
Class Structure
- A social pyramid was established: at the top were peninsulares (Spanish-born individuals), followed by criollos (Spanish descendants born in America).
- Mestizos (children of Europeans and Indigenous people), along with enslaved Africans, formed lower tiers within this hierarchy.
Legal Protections for Indigenous Peoples
- Laws promulgated by Burgos in 1512 aimed to protect Indigenous peoples from slavery; however, enforcement varied significantly.