Spain’s Conquest in the Americas

Spanish conquistadors, trained for war after the long conflict with the Moors, set out to conquer

the Americas after Columbus’s discoveries. They came to control the Caribbean islands, Mexico,

Central America, and parts of South America.

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European Expansion in the Americas and AfricaSection 1: Conquest in the Americas

The Spanish Conquest of Mexico

Hernán Cortés and hundreds of soldiers arrived in Mexico in 1519. They sought the riches of the

Aztec empire. After an initial welcome, the Aztec soon became hostile. Cortés built a larger army

with the help of Native American enemies of the Aztecs, and he conquered the Aztecs in 1521.

The Spanish Conquest of Peru

In 1532, Francisco Pizarro and fewer than 200 soldiers overwhelmed the Inca with their guns

and horses. They kidnapped Inca leader Atahualpa and killed him even after his ransom had

been paid.

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European Expansion in the Americas and AfricaSection 1: Conquest in the Americas

Section Reading Support Transparency

European Expansion in the Americans and Africa: Section 1Section Reading Support Transparency

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