America's Conquest & Colonization: A Deep Dive

Conquest and Colonization of America

The conquest and colonization of America was a relatively short process, facilitated by the very population that was willing. Factors included the possession of firearms and horses, and greater technological readiness.

The Aztec Empire was conquered first, subsequently the Antilles, Maya, and Inca, and from 1550, territories of North America were occupied.

Colonization

America was conveyed to the laws of Castile and treated on equal legal terms. Peninsular institutions were also created, as well as:

• The House of Trade in Seville, which controlled trade with America.
• The Council of the Indies.
• Viceroyalties: Territories ruled by a viceroy of New Spain and Mexico-Peru-Lima.

Trade

The sixteenth century experienced a great expansion of commerce through the exchange of products with America and Asia. Bills of exchange, banks, money changers lending money, and shared boat companies were used. Fleets traveled to America accompanied by warships that served as protection.

Ideas

In this period, man was the center of things. Individualism is exalted, reflected in the diffusion of portraiture and biographies. The study of thought and language of classical antiquity is promoted. A new conception of education emerged.

The Protestant Reformation

Luther started a religious movement called the Protestant Reformation, separating much of Europe. It was critical of Catholicism, the sale of indulgences, and rejected the power of the Pope. The only possibility defended was that salvation was the result of faith. These reforms resulted in struggles between Protestants and Catholics. Most of Northern Europe adopted Protestantism, while the South continued to be Catholic.

Catholic Counter-Reformation

The Protestant Reformation in the Catholic Church caused a deep internal reform undertaken in the Council of Trent (1545-1563), which defined Catholic doctrine. The necessity of good works for salvation was defended, etc.

The Society of Jesus was the instrument that spread the ideas of the Council of Trent in Europe and America.