The Spanish Conquest of Mexico was fueled by a mix of religious fervor, economic ambition, and colonial expansion. Inspired by the Reconquista, Spanish conquistadors saw the New World as a chance to spread Christianity and find wealth.
Spain's approach to conquest was shaped by its past and driven by gold fever. They set up systems to control land, labor, and trade in the Americas, while preparing military expeditions to claim new territories for the Spanish Crown.
Spanish Conquest Motivations
Legacy of the Reconquista
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Reconquista shaped Spanish attitudes toward conquest and colonization
Eight-century-long campaign to reclaim Iberian Peninsula from Muslim rule
Fostered militant Catholic identity among Spanish people
Established precedent for territorial expansion and religious conversion
Influenced Spanish approach to New World conquest (military tactics, religious zeal)
Economic Incentives
Gold and silver drove Spanish exploration and conquest efforts
Precious metals viewed as key to national wealth and power
Spanish Crown sought new sources of revenue to finance European wars
Reports of Aztec riches fueled conquistador ambitions
Conquest aimed to secure access to valuable natural resources (gold mines, silver deposits)
Religious Motivations
Evangelization central to Spanish justification for conquest
Spanish saw themselves as divinely appointed to spread Christianity
Conversion of indigenous populations viewed as moral imperative
Catholic Church supported conquest efforts through papal bulls
Missionaries accompanied conquistadors to establish religious institutions
Colonial Administration
Encomienda System and Labor Exploitation
Encomienda system established to organize indigenous labor
Spanish colonists (encomenderos) granted authority over native communities
Indigenous people required to pay tribute and provide labor
Encomenderos responsible for protection and religious instruction of natives
System led to widespread abuse and exploitation of indigenous populations
Territorial Division and Legal Framework
Treaty of Tordesillas divided New World between Spain and Portugal
Signed in 1494 to prevent conflict between the two expanding empires
Established meridian line 370 leagues west of Cape Verde Islands
Granted Spain rights to lands west of the line, Portugal to the east
Influenced subsequent Spanish claims in the Americas
Economic Control and Trade Regulation
Casa de Contratación established in Seville to manage colonial trade
Served as central administrative body for Spanish colonial affairs
Regulated commerce between Spain and its overseas territories
Collected taxes and duties on imported goods from the colonies
Maintained records of ships, cargo, and passengers traveling to and from the Americas
Preparations for Conquest
Leadership and Expeditions
Diego Velázquez played crucial role in organizing early expeditions
Appointed as governor of Cuba in 1511
Sponsored several exploratory voyages to mainland America
Commissioned Hernán Cortés to lead expedition to Mexico in 1519
Velázquez's support provided resources and legitimacy for conquest efforts
Military Organization and Resources
Armadas (naval fleets) assembled for conquest expeditions
Ships equipped with cannons, crossbows, and other advanced weaponry
Conquistadors armed with steel swords, armor, and horses
Indigenous allies recruited to supplement Spanish forces
Supply chains established to support long-term military campaigns