<aside> <img src="/icons/help-alternate_gray.svg" alt="/icons/help-alternate_gray.svg" width="40px" /> In this lesson, you will…

1. Examine the European expansion during the Age of Discovery.
2. Understand the systems of colonization that maintained
3. European power and oppressed Native Americans </aside>

Columbus’ 'discovery' of the Americas in 1492 ignited a fierce competition among European powers to extend their influence and establish colonies in the newly found lands.

This race for expansion overseas saw the participation of several major European nations including Spain, Portugal, Great Britain, the Dutch Republic, and France. Each of these powers sought to stake their claim and exploit the abundant resources and potential wealth that awaited them in the Americas.

Spanish Empire

• Spanish galleons (ships) transported silver directly to markets in the East.
• Spanish mines in South America exacted 90% of the world’s silver.
• Spain established complex trade routes and trade outposts to the New World to keep its empire supplied.
• With her trade and political networks, Spain controlled a territory several times her size.
• Spain divided the New World into several Viceroyalties.
• Viceroys were appointed by the King and had complete control over their area.

The Portuguese Empire

Portugal, a small country located in southwestern Europe, also experienced significant growth during this time period. Not only did Portugal establish a global empire, but it strategically expanded its influence along critical trade routes. This allowed Portugal to tap into lucrative international trade networks and gain a competitive advantage in the global market.

While Spain was focused on controlling the vast resources of the New World, Portugal took a different approach by prioritizing the control of global trade. By doing so, Portugal recognized the immense potential in establishing and maintaining trade routes that connected different continents and facilitated the exchange of goods and ideas.

Portugal strategically built a global empire based on its mastery of trade and its ability to navigate the complex web of international commerce. This approach not only solidified Portugal's position as a key player in the global arena, but also paved the way for future economic prosperity and cultural exchange.

Structures of Colonialism

South and Central America was transformed into Latin America – a fusion of European and Native American cultures. Several similarities between Spanish and Native culture drove this fusion:

• Both Spanish and indigenous society was highly hierarchical, with clear distinctions between different social classes and levels of authority.
• The secular and religious authority of both Spanish and indigenous societies were closely intertwined, with a strong connection between the ruling powers and the religious institutions.
• There were also numerous smaller polities or states that existed, each with their own unique characteristics and governing systems, which was suitable to Spain’s strategy of divide and conquer.