Conquered

Definition

The term 'conquered' refers to the act of gaining control over a territory or people through military force or other means. In the context of the 16th and 17th centuries, this term highlights the significant challenges and developments faced by European powers as they expanded their empires and engaged in conflicts with rival nations and indigenous populations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In the 16th century, European powers like Spain and Portugal embarked on extensive conquests in the Americas, leading to the establishment of vast colonial empires.
2. The use of advanced military technology, such as gunpowder and cannons, played a critical role in enabling European armies to conquer territories inhabited by indigenous peoples.
3. Conquered regions often experienced significant demographic changes due to the introduction of European diseases, which decimated local populations and facilitated further conquest.
4. The motivations for conquest included not only territorial expansion but also economic gain through the exploitation of resources and the establishment of trade routes.
5. Resistance from conquered peoples frequently led to conflicts that shaped colonial policies and influenced the way European powers governed their new territories.

Review Questions

• How did military advancements contribute to the success of European powers in conquering territories during the 16th and 17th centuries?
  • Military advancements, particularly the development of gunpowder weapons, played a crucial role in the successful conquests of European powers. The introduction of cannons and firearms gave armies a significant advantage over traditional weapons used by indigenous populations. These technological innovations allowed for more effective sieges and battles, enabling conquerors to overwhelm their opponents and establish control over vast territories.
• Discuss the impact of conquered territories on the economies of European nations during this period.
  • Conquering new territories significantly boosted the economies of European nations through access to valuable resources like gold, silver, and agricultural products. The establishment of colonies provided European powers with new markets for trade, enhancing their wealth and economic power. Additionally, conquered lands were often exploited for labor, leading to systems such as encomienda in Spanish America, where indigenous peoples were forced into labor under colonial rule, further enriching the conquering nations.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of European conquests on both the conquered regions and Europe itself during the 16th and 17th centuries.
  • The long-term consequences of European conquests were profound for both the conquered regions and Europe. For conquered areas, colonization resulted in significant cultural shifts, demographic changes due to disease, and often brutal exploitation. Indigenous societies faced disruption of their social structures and loss of autonomy. In Europe, these conquests fueled rivalries among nations, leading to conflicts over territories and influence. Moreover, they contributed to the rise of global trade networks that integrated economies but also created a legacy of colonialism that would have lasting effects well into modern history.

Related terms

Colonization: The process of establishing control over foreign lands and peoples, often involving settlement and exploitation of resources.

Imperialism: A policy or ideology whereby a country extends its power and influence over other nations or territories through conquest, colonization, or economic dominance.

Treaty of Tordesillas: An agreement between Spain and Portugal in 1494 that divided newly discovered lands outside Europe, impacting their conquests and territorial claims.