Spain in the New World

The Arrival of Spain in the New World

In 1492, Christopher Columbus landed in the Caribbean under the Spanish crown. His voyage marked the beginning of European colonization. Spain, eager to expand its empire, quickly followed with more expeditions. Soon after, explorers like Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizarro arrived, driven by gold, glory, and God.

The Spanish crown financed these expeditions to secure land, convert indigenous people, and extract valuable resources. As more ships arrived, native societies faced profound disruption. The Spanish brought firearms, steel, horses, and diseases—tools that gave them a terrifying advantage.

Although indigenous civilizations like the Aztecs and Incas showed strength, Spain eventually dominated them. Disease decimated millions, and Spanish military tactics overwhelmed

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