Conquistador

Conquistador is a term widely used to refer to the knights, soldiers and explorers of the Spanish Empire and the Portuguese Empire during the Age of Discovery. The term is derived from the Spanish language and means "conqueror". The Conquistadors are known for their exploration and conquest of much of the New World, including the modern-day nations of Mexico, the United States, and many countries in South America.

History

The Conquistadors were primarily motivated by the prospects of the great wealth to be had from the seizure of the enormous assets of the Aztec and Inca empires. Driven by a strong religious conviction, the Conquistadors were part of the wider Spanish and Portuguese colonization efforts, spurred on by the Catholic Monarchs and the Catholic Church.

Notable Conquistadors

Some of the most notable Conquistadors include Hernán Cortés, who led the expedition that brought down the Aztec Empire; Francisco Pizarro, who led the conquest of the Inca Empire; and Juan Ponce de León, who led the first known European expedition to Florida.

Impact

The Conquistadors had a significant impact on the history of the world. Their actions led to the widespread destruction of indigenous cultures and the establishment of European colonies in the Americas. However, they also brought about the exchange of goods, ideas, and diseases between the Old World and the New, a process known as the Columbian Exchange.

See Also

• Spanish Empire
• Portuguese Empire
• Age of Discovery
• Columbian Exchange

References

Conquistador Resources
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