Spanish Colonial era

Definition

The period of time when Spain established colonies in the Americas, lasting from the late 15th century to the early 19th century. During this era, Spain exerted political and economic control over vast territories and implemented its own systems of governance.

Related terms

Encomienda system: A labor system used by the Spanish colonizers where indigenous people were forced to work on plantations or mines under often harsh conditions.

Mestizos: People of mixed European and indigenous ancestry who occupied an intermediate social position in colonial society.

Conquistadors: Adventurers and explorers from Spain who played a crucial role in establishing Spanish colonies by conquering native civilizations.