The Spanish conquest period refers to the time when Spain colonized and conquered territories in Central and South America. It began with Christopher Columbus's arrival in 1492 and continued throughout the 16th century.
Related terms
Encomienda System: A labor system implemented by Spanish colonizers where indigenous people were forced to work for Spanish settlers.
Conquistadors: The Spanish soldiers who led expeditions to conquer lands in America during the Age of Exploration.
Aztec Empire: A powerful Mesoamerican empire that was conquered by Hernán Cortés during his expedition to Mexico.