Spanish approaches

Definition

The Spanish approaches to colonizing the New World refers to the methods and strategies employed by Spain in establishing and governing their colonies in the Americas. This included a focus on extracting resources, converting native populations to Christianity, and establishing centralized control.

Related terms

Encomienda system: A labor system established by the Spanish in which indigenous people were forced into labor for Spanish landowners.

Missionaries: Religious individuals sent by Spain to convert Native Americans to Christianity.

Conquistadors: Spanish explorers and conquerors who sought wealth, power, and glory in the New World through military conquests.