Spanish Colonization

Definition

Spanish colonization refers to the process through which Spain established political control over vast territories in North and South America, as well as parts of Africa, Asia, and Oceania. It involved establishing settlements, imposing cultural assimilation policies, and exploiting resources for economic gain.

Related terms

Columbian Exchange: The Columbian Exchange refers to the widespread exchange of goods, ideas, diseases, plants, animals, and people between Europe/Africa/Asia and the Americas following Christopher Columbus's voyages.

Encomienda: The encomienda was a legal system in Spanish America that granted colonists the right to demand labor or tribute from indigenous people living on the land they controlled.

Mercantilism: Mercantilism is an economic theory and practice that promoted exporting more goods than importing in order to accumulate wealth and power for the ruling nation.