Spanish Empire in North America: APUSH 2.2

Flashcards to review key vocabulary and concepts related to the growth, social structures, and economic systems of the Spanish Empire in North America, including interactions with Native Americans and Africans, and the conquest of the Aztec Empire.

Spanish Empire's Growth in North America

Greatly influenced life in colonial Spanish America through the use of Native American and African workers, shaping social and economic structures.

European and Native American Perspectives

Initially defined by mutual misunderstandings and conflict as each group tried to make sense of the other, leading to adoption of useful cultural aspects over time.

Transatlantic Voyages (1491-1607)

Led to the establishment of the Spanish colonial system, including the creation of separate 'republics' for Spaniards and Native Americans, and the introduction of African slavery.

República de Españoles

One of two 'republics' created by the Spanish to establish political and economic control, encompassing Spaniards, enslaved Africans, and free Africans.

República de Indios

One of two 'republics' created by the Spanish for Native Americans, operating semi-autonomously with its own town councils under Spanish law.

Tenochtitlan

The capital of the Aztec Empire, one of the largest cities in the world, which the Spanish appropriated as their capital after its conquest.

Native American Town Councils

Managed everyday life in Native American towns under Spanish rule, run by local native leaders, allowing a measure of autonomy and power.

Encomienda System

A system used by the Spanish in early colonization that gave conquerors and settlers the right to demand labor and tribute from Native Americans, supporting plantation agriculture and mining.

Transatlantic Slave Trade (Triangle Trade)

The system of bringing enslaved Africans to the New World, resulting in significant population loss and social disruption in African societies, and forming the foundation of a race-based slavery system.

Free Blacks in Spanish Colonies

A sizeable portion of the population who could purchase their freedom under Spanish law, engaging in various trades such as sailors, merchants, and even slave owners.

Castas

A growing mixed-race social group that emerged during the colonial period from relationships between people from the Americas, Europe, and Africa, forming a classification based on ethnic background.

Hernan Cortes

A Spanish Conquistador who led an expedition to Mexico in 1519, allied with the Tezcatlipoca, and played a pivotal role in the fall of the Aztec Empire.

Tezcatlipoca

Native peoples who allied with Hernan Cortes and helped him navigate, translate, and achieve the defeat of Moctezuma and the Aztecs.

Moctezuma

The powerful emperor of the Aztec Empire who expanded his empire and initially greeted Cortes, but was later imprisoned by him.

Pedro de Alvarado

Left in command by Cortes in Tenochtitlan, he was responsible for killing several Aztec nobles, which further escalated the conflict with the Spanish.

Fall of Tenochtitlan

Occurred in 1521 when Hernan Cortes demolished the city, marking a major turning point in Spanish colonization of Mexico.

Smallpox

A deadly disease brought by the Spanish to the New World, which significantly wiped out many native populations.

Spanish Social Order Flexibility

While a rigid social hierarchy existed, everyday life in the colonies showed flexibility, as people were often judged by practical factors like language skills, clothing, and social connections.