The Spanish Conquest and the Columbian Exchange

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the Spanish Conquest and the Columbian Exchange, including important figures, events, and terms.

Columbian Exchange

The exchange of goods, ideas, and diseases between the New World and the Old World after Christopher Columbus's voyages.

Hernan Cortes

Spanish conquistador credited with conquering the Aztec Empire and claiming much of modern-day Mexico for Spain.

Las Casas

A Dominican priest who advocated for the rights of indigenous people and condemned the mistreatment of them during the Spanish conquest.

Conquistador

A Spanish or Portuguese explorer and soldier who was involved in the colonization and conquest of the Americas in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Tenochtitlan

The capital city of the Aztec Empire, known for its sophisticated architecture and urban planning.

Malinche

A native woman who served as a translator for Cortes and had a complex legacy in the history of the conquest.

Papal Decree of 1538

A mandate issued by the Pope that outlawed the enslavement of indigenous peoples in the Americas.

Systemic Complicity

The widespread and ingrained cooperation and participation of individuals in institutions that perpetuate injustice, such as slavery.

Food Insecurity

The state of being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.

Economic Advances

Improvements in the economy, often resulting from trade, resource exploitation, and agricultural development.