The dawn of Spanish overseas expansion began with the Reconquista's completion and the unification of Spain, leading to global exploration. Christopher Columbus's voyages, sponsored by Ferdinand and Isabella, resulted in the discovery of the Americas and the establishment of the Spanish colonial empire. The Treaty of Tordesillas divided the New World between Spain and Portugal, setting the stage for the conquests by Spanish conquistadors like Cortés and Pizarro, and the transformative impact on Spain and indigenous peoples.
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The fall of Granada in 1492 unified the Iberian kingdoms and allowed Spain to focus on global exploration
Competition with Portugal
Spain's desire to outflank Portugal's lucrative trade routes drove their commitment to maritime exploration
Allure of Untapped Wealth and Resources
The potential for wealth and resources in unexplored territories motivated Spain's exploration efforts
The Spanish monarchy's desire to spread Christianity played a significant role in their overseas exploration
Sponsored by Ferdinand and Isabella, Columbus's voyages inadvertently led to the Spanish claim over vast territories in the New World
Papal Bull Inter Caetera
The papal bull Inter Caetera in 1493 legitimized Spain's claim over the New World
Treaty of Tordesillas
The Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494 divided the non-European world between Spain and Portugal, granting Spain dominion over the Americas
Columbus's voyages marked the beginning of Spain's extensive colonial empire and the exploitation of the Americas' resources
Hernán Cortés and the Aztec Empire
Hernán Cortés's conquest of the Aztec Empire in 1521 resulted in the transfer of immense wealth to Spain
Francisco Pizarro and the Inca Empire
Francisco Pizarro's conquest of the Inca Empire in 1533 also brought significant wealth to Spain
The Treaty of Tordesillas allowed Spain to secure vast wealth from the Americas, making them a preeminent European power
Spanish colonization efforts involved extreme violence, forced labor systems, and the introduction of European diseases, resulting in catastrophic consequences for indigenous populations
Emergence as a Preeminent European Power
The influx of colonial wealth contributed to Spain's emergence as a preeminent European power
Cultural Renaissance
The wealth from exploration financed a period of cultural renaissance in Spain known as the Siglo de Oro
Demographic Losses
Indigenous populations suffered massive demographic losses due to epidemics brought by the Spanish
Cultural and Religious Upheaval
Spanish colonization resulted in cultural and religious upheaval for indigenous peoples
Dismantling of Social Structures
Indigenous social structures were dismantled under Spanish colonial rule
The legacy of Spanish exploration includes the spread of Spanish language, culture, and religion, as well as the establishment of new trade routes and integration of the Americas into the global economy
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Reconquista's culmination year and event
1492, fall of Granada
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Monarchs behind the unification of Iberian kingdoms
Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile
02
Rival country in early maritime exploration
Portugal, with established trade routes to India
