Who Were the Conquistadors?
The history of the South American continent is deeply rooted in the tales of Conquistadors. But who exactly are the Conquistadors? Generally, a Conquistador is a Spanish or Portuguese explorer and soldier of fortune who was part of the 16th and 17th century expeditions designed to conquer and colonize South America and Central America. During this time period, the Spanish and Portuguese set up colonies in Peru, Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and Mexico.
Understanding The History of the Conquistadors
Before these explorers arrived, the continent was already occupied by empires such as the Aztecs, Incas, and Maya. However, it was the dream of rulers in Spain and Portugal to extend their influence and gain wealth from South American lands. Thus the Conquistadors were born. The primary goal of these explorers was to locate wealth and to convert the native population to Christianity. The means of achieving these goals varied, but most often involved killing and enslaving the natives, and destroying local shrine and temples.
Who are the Most Notable Conquistadors?
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Hernán Cortés: Cortés was a Spanish Conquistador who is primarily known for his role in conquering the Aztecs in present-day Mexico. He was born in 1485 in Medellin, Spain and went on to become one of the most renowned Conquistadors in history. In 1519, he was the leader of the expedition that overthrew the Aztec Empire and established the colony of New Spain.
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Francisco Pizarro: Pizarro was another well-known Spanish Conquistador. Pizarro was born around 1471 near Trujillo, Spain. He led several expeditions in South America, but is most famous for overthrowing the Incan Empire in present-day Peru and gaining control of its great wealth. He established the city of Lima as the new capital of Peru.
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Pedro de Valdivia: Valdivia was a Spanish Conquistador and conquistador. He was born in Paredes de Nava, Spain in 1497 and first set eyes on South America in 1535. Valdivia is widely known for helping to conquer the Incan Empire and the Mapuche Federation. He was involved in the establishment of Santiago, Chile, which is known today as the country’s capital.
The Conquests of these Notable Conquistadors
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Hernán Cortés: As previously mentioned, he is best known for conquering the Aztecs. He was aided by local allies, as well as Spanish troops and horses, in his successful campaign against the Aztecs. This marked the fall of their empire and the beginning of Spanish rule in their land.
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Francisco Pizarro: Pizarro’s main conquest is, of course, the Incan Empire. He succeeded in defeating the Incans after an estimated 8000 Spaniards and an equal number of Peruvian citizens fought against an estimated 200,000 Incan soldiers.
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Pedro de Valdivia: Valdivia’s contribution to South American history is his role in helping to conquer both the Incan Empire and the Mapuche Federation. After travelling throughout the continent and settling in various locations, he eventually helped to defeat both of these civilizations.
The Consequences of the Conquistadors
The 16th and 17th century expeditions of the Conquistadors had lasting implications on the continent. These included, but were not limited to:
• The destruction of vast tracts of native civilizations – The Conquistadors’ attempts to gain wealth, power, and land through violence led to a complete destruction of many ancient civilizations.
• The introduction of new diseases – The Spaniards brought with them, diseases that native peoples had no immunity for, leading to significant decreases in the indigenous population.
• The forced conversion of the native populations – The Conquistadors tried to convert the populations to Christianity and even created the Spanish language in order to impose their rule and beliefs.
• The development of a new colonial infrastructure – Their exploration and colonization of the area led to the development of new cities with distinct colonial architectural styles, as well as social and political systems.
The Impact of the Conquistadors Today
The effects of the Conquistadors continue to be felt today in several ways.
• South American land rights – The concept of land ownership in South American nations can be traced back to the Conquistadors, who initially held the reins of power in many states. This was done in order to claim a greater spread of territory, as well as to control access to resources.
• The poverty of rural populations – In many parts of South America today, the native population remains largely in poverty due to the legacy left by the Conquistadors. This poverty can be attributed to their legacy of inequality and injustice.
• The legacy of Spanish language – Another legacy that has lasted is the use of Spanish throughout much of South America. Many locals speak a mix of Spanish and their indigenous language.
The Conquistadors are a key part of South American history and are responsible for much of the history and culture that is evident today. These Spanish and Portuguese explorers and soldiers of fortune left an indelible mark on the continent, one that will continue to be felt for centuries to come.
