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Spain In North America

Hernando Cortes

• Following Columbus's voyages, Spain initiated sending explorers to claim territories.

• Conquistadores ventured into the Caribbean and advanced towards Mexico.

• Hernando Cortes commanded an army to invade Mexico, aiming to enrich the Spanish Empire.

Cortes Subdues the Aztecs

• Led a group of conquistadors and allied with native Nahua against the Aztec Empire.

• The Nahua collaborated due to resentment towards the Aztecs for encroaching on their lands.

• Cortes's forces:

  • 600 soldiers

  • 17 horses

  • 10 cannons

  • War dogs

• After traversing 200 miles of challenging mountain paths, they arrived at the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan:

  • Noted for its fresh water, gold resources, and sophisticated engineering.

• The Aztec emperor mistook Cortes for a deity, presenting him part of their gold supply.

• In spring 1520, the Aztecs revolted against Montzuma, ultimately forcing the Spanish out.

  • They suffered from a measles and smallpox outbreak, allowing the Spanish to return and decimate the Aztecs, establishing New Spain after incinerating Tenochtitlan.

Spanish Pattern of Conquest

Peninsulares and Mestizos

• Peninsulares: Spanish settlers born in Spain.

• Intermarriage with native women led to a significant Mestizo population (mixed Spanish and Native American ancestry).

• Despite intermarriage, Spanish maintained an oppressive rule via the Encomienda system.

Encomienda System

• Encomienda referred to a harsh forced labor framework.

• Native Americans were compelled to work as ranchers, farmers, or miners.

• The system was abolished in 1542, with African slaves taking the place of native labor.

Conquistadores Push North

Exploring Florida

• Juan Ponce De Leon (1513): Sought the Fountain of Youth, leading to the discovery of Florida.

• Found little wealth and poor-quality land, leading to conflict with Native Americans and eventual abandonment of settlement plans in 1562.

• Pedro Menendez de Aviles sent to oust the French and reclaim Florida, establishing St. Augustine in 1565.

Settling the Southwest

• Francisco Coronado (1565) explored regions now known as Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas.

• Pedro de Peralta founded Santa Fe (1609-1610).

• Established El Camino Real, connecting Santa Fe to Mexico City (1500 miles).

Resistance to Spanish Rule

Conflict in New Mexico

• Despite conversion to Catholicism, Native Americans resisted Spanish destruction of sacred items and forced tributes.

• Popé's Rebellion (1680): Led 17,000 Indians against Spanish rule, driving them back to New Spain for 14 years.

France In North America

The French Empire

• Competing against Spain, France began establishing colonies in North America during the 17th century.

• Jacques Cartier (1534) explored the St. Lawrence River.

• Early attempts to settle Newfoundland and Nova Scotia failed due to Native American resistance.

Founding Quebec

• Samuel de Champlain founded Quebec in 1608, sponsored by a French fur trading company.

• First permanent French settlement supported by local Algonquin tribes, leading to friendly relations.

Expansion of French Claims

• Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet (1673) discovered the Mississippi River.

• Sieur de La Salle (1681) claimed the Mississippi River basin for France, naming it Louisiana for King Louis XIV.

Challenges of French Colonization

• New France had difficulty attracting settlers, depicted unfavorably back in France.

• By 1700, New France's population was only 19,000 compared to 250,000 in English colonies.

The Fur Trade

• The Dutch and French had favorable relations with Natives largely due to the fur trade.

• Engaged in military alliances with Native nations against Iroquois tribes, minimal suppression of Native traditions.

Two Empires Collide

• Tensions led to French and Indian War (1754), over control of the Ohio River Valley between the French and English colonies.

Dutch In North America

Establishing New Netherland

• Henry Hudson (1609) explored New York Harbor seeking a Northwest Passage for the Dutch East India Company.

• Established Fort Orange (1614) near Albany and later settled Manhattan Island.

Dutch Freedom and Population

• New Netherland was a refuge for persecuted groups from Europe, such as Protestants and Jews.

• Women had independent legal rights, ownership capabilities, and were involved in the economic sphere.

• By the late 17th century, 20% of New Netherland’s population was of African descent.

Relations with Native Americans

• The Dutch recognized Native sovereignty, leading to an economic trading relationship but also conflict over territory and livestock infringement.

• Kieft's War (1643): Escalating tensions led to violent conflict and significant casualties on both sides.

English Takeover

• In the 1660s, English viewed New Netherland as a strategic wedge.

• King Charles II authorized his brother James (Duke of York) to seize the territory.

• Dutch Governor Stuyvesant's unpopular leadership led to a swift English takeover, resulting in renaming it New York and the creation of New Jersey.