The Age of Early European Conquests

1. The Age of Early European Conquests

2. Christopher Columbus Landed in the West Indies “Area Known as the Caribbean” The friendly Taino natives of the West Indies he called Indians They gave him gold and their possessions freely He attempted to convert them to Christianity Remember he thought that he had found a new route to Asia and that he had found…India 1492

3. In 1492, Columbus sailed from Spain with three ships. Two of the ships, the Niña and the Pinta were small caravels. The third ship, the Santa Maria, was larger, and was captained by Columbus.

4. Spanish Conquerors then came to the “New World” Looking for Gold Slaves Christianity They took the natives Gold Ornaments and enslaved them. They treated those who would not convert worse Conquistadors

5. The invisible invader Smallpox Measles Flu 90 % of the Native Americans Died Why? What about the way they lived was different than the way Europeans lived. Disease

6. The First Spanish Conquests:The Aztecs vs. Fernando Cortes Moctezuma II

7. 1519- Mexico Arrived with 600 men 16 horses And a few canons He learned that the Aztecs hated their Emperor Moctezuma Hernando Cortez

8. His translator—was Malinche or DOÑA MARINA She advised him on the area and knew Mayan/ Aztec/ and learned Spanish Who Tells him all of this?

9. Because of the thousands of sacrifices they made to their gods each year Cortez arranged alliances with the Aztec people to help them rise up against their Overlords and Emperor. Aztec people hated their overlords

10. Was Cortez the “pale skinned, bearded stranger” they called Quetzacoatl (kwetz a kwa tal) who had long ago vowed to return to them? To be safe Moctezuma sent gifts of gold, silver, and precious stones Moctezuma’s Dilemma

11. Moctezuma did not want Cortez’ men and the Aztec alliances moving closer to the capital city of Tenochtitlan But it did not matter…Cortez wanted the city and its gold At the same time…

12. When the Aztecs found out Cortez’ true intentions the tried to drive the Spanish from the capital city. Moctezuma died in the fighting. Cortez retreated planned a new attack and in 1521 the Aztec city was destroyed. The Spanish rebuilt it as Mexico City The Spanish now ruled Mexico and Central America Fall of Tenochtitlan

13. The Death of Moctezuma II

14. Mexico Surrenders to Cortes

15. The First Spanish Conquests: The Incas vs. Francisco Pizarro Atahualpa

16. Francisco Pizarro helped by Indian allies captured the Incan ruler Atahualpa He demanded a huge ransom in return for the ruler’s freedom The Incas paid the ransom The Spanish killed Atahualpa anyway Pizarro in South America

17. 1. Superior Military Horses frightened the natives Muskets and cannons Helmets and armor 4 Reasons for Spanish Victory

18. Rivals Played on hate to make allies with the locals and then double crossed them after they had eliminated the first enemy 2. Division and Discontent

19. Spanish seemed immune 3. Disease

20. Were the Spanish Gods more powerful than theirs? “Let us die…for our gods have already deserted us” 4. End of the world