Spain and Portugal established empires in the Americas quickly due to factors such as superior military technology, alliances with indigenous groups, and exploiting existing political and economic rivalries between indigenous societies.
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Spain and Portugal’s swift conquest and establishment of vast empires in the Americas is an interesting topic that has been explored by scholars for many years. There are various factors that contributed to their success, including superior military technology, alliances with indigenous groups, and exploitation of existing political and economic rivalries between indigenous societies.
One factor that cannot be overlooked is Spain and Portugal’s advanced weaponry. The Spanish and Portuguese armies were equipped with guns, cannons, crossbows, and steel swords, and they had access to horses and armor. This technological superiority gave them a significant advantage over the indigenous peoples of the Americas who mainly used wooden and stone weapons.
Moreover, the Spanish and Portuguese also made alliances with some indigenous groups, which helped them conquer other groups. Some indigenous groups saw the Europeans as a way to gain control over their rivals, and they were able to exploit these existing rivalries to their advantage.
“Many of the native peoples didn’t want to be dominated by their neighboring peoples and were willing to ally with the Europeans to achieve their goals,” says historian David Brion Davis.
Another interesting fact is that Spain and Portugal followed different methods of conquest and colonization. The Spanish invaded and established settlements, while the Portuguese initially focused on trade and missionary activities. This difference in approach led to distinct patterns of colonization and the development of unique cultures in their respective colonies.
To understand the speed of Spain and Portugal’s colonization, it is helpful to look at the extent of their empires. At the height of the Spanish Empire, it covered an area of about 13 million square kilometers and had a population of over 240 million people. The Portuguese Empire, on the other hand, had territories spanning approximately 10 million square kilometers and a population of about 50 million.
In conclusion, Spain and Portugal’s quick establishment of empires in the Americas was a complex process, enabled by a combination of factors such as advanced military technology, alliances with indigenous groups, and exploitation of pre-existing rivalries between indigenous societies. As the saying goes, “History is written by the victors,” and in this case, Spain and Portugal’s victories were instrumental in shaping the Americas we know today.
Table:
| Factor | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Superior military technology | Spanish and Portuguese armies had access to advanced weaponry |
| Alliances with indigenous groups | They made alliances with some indigenous groups to gain control over their rivals |
| Exploitation of existing rivalries | They were able to exploit pre-existing rivalries between indigenous societies |
| Difference in approach | Spain invaded and established settlements, while Portugal initially focused on trade and missionary activities |
| Extent of their empires | At the height of the Spanish Empire, it covered an area of about 13 million square kilometers and had a population of over 240 million people. The Portuguese Empire spanned approximately 10 million square kilometers and a population of about 50 million. |
Related video
The video explores the early Spanish and Portuguese empires, highlighting Portugal’s conquest of Seuta in 1415 and Spain’s conquest of the Aztec Empire under Hernan Cortes. The Portuguese established trade posts in Africa for gold, ivory, and slaves, while the Spanish built a territorial empire through individual conquests, including the Inca Empire under Pizarro. The empires brought significant wealth and trade to Europe but were not without conflicts and enemies. The Portuguese established a dominant navy, while the Spanish and Portuguese obtained massive wealth from their colonies and trade routes, tipping the balance of power in Europe.
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Likewise, How did the Spanish and the Portuguese establish their empires in the Americas so quickly?
How did the Spanish and the Portuguese establish their empires in the Americas so quickly? The Spanish exploited both the resentment of the Aztec subject peoples and the chaotic royal succession of the Inca. European horses and guns scared the Amerindians.
How did Spain establish its empire in the Americas? Answer to this: Overview. In the European race to colonial dominance, the Treaty of Tordesillas legitimized Spain’s holdings in the New World, indicating Spanish primacy over Portugal. The successes of Columbus ushered in an era of Spanish conquest that led numerous other European explorers to attempt similar colonization projects.
Beside above, What are two reasons why the Spanish and Portuguese established colonies in South America? The answer is: Precious metals such as gold and silver, land and a large population to provide labour were the attractions.
When did Spain and Portugal establish empires? In reply to that: Spanish and Portuguese Empires (1581-1640)
Why did Spanish explorers go to America?
Response: Although Portugal opened the door to exploration of the Atlantic World, Spanish explorers quickly made inroads into the Americas. Spurred by Christopher Columbus’s glowing reports of the riches to be found in the New World, throngs of Spanish conquistadors set off to find and conquer new lands.
How did Portugal spread its empire?
The reply will be: Merchants then used these Atlantic outposts as debarkation points for subsequent journeys. From these strategic points, Portugal spread its empire down the western coast of Africa to the Congo, along the western coast of India, and eventually to Brazil on the eastern coast of South America. It also established trading posts in China and Japan.
Subsequently, How did Spain gain power in the New World?
The Spanish gained an early foothold in the colonies, quickly becoming the most powerful European power in the New World. In the European race to colonial dominance, the Treaty of Tordesillas legitimized Spain’s holdings in the New World, indicating Spanish primacy over Portugal.
Subsequently, How did the Spanish influence the Old World?
Answer: Early interactions between the Spanish and Native Americans who lived in Central and South America led to a series of cultural exchanges that affected both the New World and the Old World. In 1494, Spain and Portugal moved the line of demarcation several degrees west, establishing Portugal’s claim to Brazil.
How did Portugal spread its empire?
As a response to this: Merchants then used these Atlantic outposts as debarkation points for subsequent journeys. From these strategic points, Portugal spread its empire down the western coast of Africa to the Congo, along the western coast of India, and eventually to Brazil on the eastern coast of South America. It also established trading posts in China and Japan.
Why did Spain colonize America? Answer: A diagram illustrating the Spanish caste system. Motivations for colonization: Spain’s colonization goals were to extract gold and silver from the Americas, to stimulate the Spanish economy and make Spain a more powerful country. Spain also aimed to convert Native Americans to Christianity.
Why did the Inca Empire become part of the Spanish Empire? Response will be: The Inca empire became part of the Spanish empire. Spain conquered and ruled vast areas in central and South America. Precious metals such as gold and silver, land and a large population to provide labour were the attractions. The large population did not last, however.
In this manner, How did Spain regulate the American Empire?
To regulate its American empire, Spain created two organizations, the House of Trade to deal with commerce and the Council of the Indies to make laws. The system of colonization was called the viceroyalty. It was begun in 1535 when Antonio de Mendoza was sent to govern Mexico as the first viceroy.