Spanish Colonization of the Americas
Following Columbus's 1492 voyage, Spain conquered and colonized vast territories in the Americas, destroying the Aztec and Inca empires, subjugating indigenous populations, and extracting enormous mineral wealth.
Preceding Causes
Competition with Portugal for Atlantic trade routes (formalized in the 1494 Treaty of Tordesillas), Columbus's voyage, the Reconquista providing experienced soldiers and a crusading mentality, and the desire for gold and new trade routes to Asia.
Fall of Constantinople
The Ottoman Empire under Sultan Mehmed II conquered Constantinople, ending the Byzantine Empire and the last vestige of the Roman Empire.
Treaty of Tordesillas
A treaty between Spain and Portugal dividing newly discovered and yet-to-be-discovered lands outside Europe between the two powers along a meridian 370 leagues west of the Cape Verde Islands.
Age of Exploration
European maritime nations launched expeditions that mapped the globe, connected continents, and transformed world trade, culture, and power dynamics between 1400–1600.
Historical Consequences
Destruction of the Aztec and Inca empires, demographic catastrophe for indigenous peoples (estimated 90% population decline, primarily from Old World diseases), massive transfer of silver and gold to Europe fueling inflation, and the Columbian Exchange of crops, animals, and diseases between hemispheres.