European conquest of America

Summary

This script traces the major events of European exploration and colonization from the 15th century onward. It highlights Columbus's expeditions, the Treaty of Tordesillas between Spain and Portugal, and the conquests of the Aztec and Inca empires. The video also discusses the impact of European diseases, the exploitation of indigenous people, and the transatlantic slave trade. It further covers the rise of European colonies in the Americas, the struggle for independence, and key territorial expansions, ultimately leading to the complete colonization of the continent.

Takeaways

• 🌍 European exploration in the 15th century was largely driven by the desire to break Asian trade route monopolies held by Venice and Genoa.
• ⛵ Christopher Columbus, backed by Spain, set sail in 1492, discovering the Bahamian islands and believing he had reached the East Indies.
• 👑 Spain and Portugal divided newly discovered lands by the Treaty of Tordesillas, with Spain claiming territories to the west and Portugal to the east.
• 💀 European diseases, such as smallpox, decimated native populations in the Americas during the period of conquest and colonization.
• ⚔️ Conquistadors like Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizarro used local alliances and force to conquer large empires like the Aztec and Inca civilizations.
• 💰 Colonies in the New World became sources of valuable resources like gold, silver, maize, and tobacco, which were exported to Europe.
• ⛪ The Spanish mission in the Americas also had a religious component, with the Franciscans arriving to convert the indigenous population to Christianity.
• 🚢 The transatlantic slave trade surged in the mid-17th century, with European ships transporting enslaved Africans to the Americas for labor in plantations.
• 🇺🇸 The American colonies rebelled against British rule in the 18th century, eventually declaring independence in 1776 and forming the United States.
• 🌎 By the 19th century, almost all of the Americas had been colonized, with indigenous resistance in regions like southern South America being the last to fall.

Q & A

What major trade routes did European powers focus on before the discovery of America?

Before the discovery of America, European powers primarily focused on trade routes to Asia, where silk, spices, and other valuable goods originated. The Mediterranean Sea was dominated by the republics of Venice and Genoa, who controlled much of the lucrative trade between Europe and the East.

Why did Christopher Columbus seek support from the Spanish monarchs after being rejected by the Portuguese king?

The Portuguese king rejected Columbus's proposal because Portugal was more focused on exploring routes around Africa to reach Asia. After this refusal, Columbus turned to the Spanish monarchs, who eventually agreed to fund his expedition, hoping to find a new westward route to Asia.

What did Columbus believe he had discovered upon reaching the Bahamian archipelago?

Columbus believed he had discovered islands near Asia, specifically around Cathay (China) and Cipango (Japan). Convinced he had reached the East Indies, he called the indigenous people he encountered 'Indians.'

What was the significance of the Treaty of Tordesillas?

The Treaty of Tordesillas, created to avoid conflict between Spain and Portugal, divided the newly discovered lands outside Europe. Lands to the west of a meridian line went to Spain, while those to the east were reserved for Portugal. This division had long-lasting implications for the colonization of the Americas.

How did diseases brought by Europeans impact the indigenous populations of the Americas?

Diseases such as smallpox, which were previously unknown in the Americas, spread rapidly among the indigenous populations, leading to significant loss of life. These diseases, introduced by Europeans, played a major role in weakening native societies and making them more vulnerable to conquest.

What role did Hernán Cortés play in the fall of the Aztec Empire?

Hernán Cortés led a Spanish expedition to the Aztec Empire. Using a combination of diplomacy and force, he allied with local tribes that were hostile to the Aztecs. After a prolonged siege and the outbreak of smallpox, the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan fell, and Cortés became the governor of New Spain.

Who was Amerigo Vespucci, and why is the American continent named after him?

Amerigo Vespucci was an explorer who traveled to the New World multiple times. He was the first to suggest that the lands Columbus had discovered were not part of Asia but a new continent altogether. The continent was named 'America' in his honor.

How did the transatlantic slave trade develop, and what role did it play in the colonies?

The transatlantic slave trade developed in the mid-17th century as European ships began transporting African slaves to the Americas. These slaves were primarily used in plantations, producing goods such as sugar, tobacco, and cotton, which were then exported to Europe. The trade became a central part of the colonial economy.

What events led to the independence of the United States from Britain?

After a series of new taxes were imposed by Britain to help cover the costs of war, the 13 American colonies rebelled and declared independence. Supported by France, Spain, and the Netherlands, the colonies fought a war against Britain, eventually forcing the British to recognize their independence in 1783.

How did Spanish and Portuguese colonization efforts affect indigenous populations in South America?

Spanish and Portuguese colonization led to the enslavement, displacement, and decimation of indigenous populations through violence, land seizure, and disease. In many cases, native societies were weakened or destroyed, and European settlers imposed their own systems of governance and religion on the region.