4.1 Spanish motivations and preparations for conquest

The Spanish Conquest of Mexico was fueled by a mix of religious fervor, economic ambition, and colonial expansion. Inspired by the Reconquista, Spanish conquistadors saw the New World as a chance to spread Christianity and find wealth.

Spain's approach to conquest was shaped by its past and driven by gold fever. They set up systems to control land, labor, and trade in the Americas, while preparing military expeditions to claim new territories for the Spanish Crown.

Spanish Conquest Motivations

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• Reconquista shaped Spanish attitudes toward conquest and colonization
• Eight-century-long campaign to reclaim Iberian Peninsula from Muslim rule
• Fostered militant Catholic identity among Spanish people
• Established precedent for territorial expansion and religious conversion
• Influenced Spanish approach to New World conquest (military tactics, religious zeal)

Economic Incentives

• Gold and silver drove Spanish exploration and conquest efforts
• Precious metals viewed as key to national wealth and power
• Spanish Crown sought new sources of revenue to finance European wars
• Reports of Aztec riches fueled conquistador ambitions
• Conquest aimed to secure access to valuable natural resources (gold mines, silver deposits)

Religious Motivations

• Evangelization central to Spanish justification for conquest
• Spanish saw themselves as divinely appointed to spread Christianity
• Conversion of indigenous populations viewed as moral imperative
• Catholic Church supported conquest efforts through papal bulls
• Missionaries accompanied conquistadors to establish religious institutions

Colonial Administration

Encomienda System and Labor Exploitation

• Encomienda system established to organize indigenous labor
• Spanish colonists (encomenderos) granted authority over native communities
• Indigenous people required to pay tribute and provide labor
• Encomenderos responsible for protection and religious instruction of natives
• System led to widespread abuse and exploitation of indigenous populations

Territorial Division and Legal Framework

• Treaty of Tordesillas divided New World between Spain and Portugal
• Signed in 1494 to prevent conflict between the two expanding empires
• Established meridian line 370 leagues west of Cape Verde Islands
• Granted Spain rights to lands west of the line, Portugal to the east
• Influenced subsequent Spanish claims in the Americas

Economic Control and Trade Regulation

• Casa de Contratación established in Seville to manage colonial trade
• Served as central administrative body for Spanish colonial affairs
• Regulated commerce between Spain and its overseas territories
• Collected taxes and duties on imported goods from the colonies
• Maintained records of ships, cargo, and passengers traveling to and from the Americas

Preparations for Conquest

Leadership and Expeditions

• Diego Velázquez played crucial role in organizing early expeditions
• Appointed as governor of Cuba in 1511
• Sponsored several exploratory voyages to mainland America
• Commissioned Hernán Cortés to lead expedition to Mexico in 1519
• Velázquez's support provided resources and legitimacy for conquest efforts

Military Organization and Resources

• Armadas (naval fleets) assembled for conquest expeditions
• Ships equipped with cannons, crossbows, and other advanced weaponry
• Conquistadors armed with steel swords, armor, and horses
• Indigenous allies recruited to supplement Spanish forces
• Supply chains established to support long-term military campaigns