Reign of Charles I & Spanish Conquest of Americas

Charles I: Rise and Rebellions

Charles I, son of Archduke Philip the Handsome and Joanna of Castile, and grandson of Ferdinand and Isabella, arrived in Spain around 1516. The courts of Valladolid demanded he learn Castilian. Upon Maximilian's death, Charles was elected Emperor of Germany, a decision unpopular in Castile. To fund his trip to Germany, he requested money from the court, promising changes and vowing not to appoint foreigners to prominent positions in his absence. He failed to keep his promises, leading to discontent and serious disturbances. Toledo initiated the formation of Comunidades, which created their own army to support the rebels. The Santa Junta was formed in 1520. Villalar was defeated in 1521, and its leaders (Padilla, Bravo, and Maldonado) were executed. In Valencia, Charles I authorized the creation of militias for defense in 1520. These militias, known as Germanías (brotherhoods), also emerged in Majorca. After prolonged conflict, the Germanías were defeated by Valencian nobles, their leaders executed, and their followers repressed. Charles I, the first of the Habsburg dynasty in Spain, reigned from 1516 to 1556.

Conquest and Colonization

Conquest Tactics

The conquest was carried out by conquistadors with limited resources, primarily firearms. These were effective due to the fear they instilled in the indigenous populations with their smoke and noise. The most significant conquests were those of the Aztec and Incan empires, both advanced agricultural societies.

Mexico (Hernán Cortés, 1519-1521)

With a small army, Cortés managed to conquer through force and strategy. The Noche Triste (1520) saw the Aztecs defeat the Spanish in Tenochtitlán. However, Cortés, with the help of Tlaxcalteca allies, defeated the Aztecs at the Battle of Otumba.

Peru (Pizarro, 1531-1533)

The Incas, skilled farmers, were in a civil war between Huáscar and Atahualpa. After killing Atahualpa, Pizarro conquered Peru.

Colonization

Colonization aimed for universalism, treating indigenous people as equals to Castilians. The Church played a primary role in the colonization process.