European Colonization Notes

European Colonization: The Arrival of the Spanish

Historical Context

• Medieval Period: Europe was characterized by:
  • Feudalism: A social system structuring society.
  • Spread of Christianity: A dominant cultural and religious influence.
  • Frequent Warfare: Limiting exploration and expansion.
• 15th Century: A shift occurred with:
  • Decline of Feudalism: Weakening of the feudal system.
  • Rise of Nation-States: Emergence of powerful entities like Spain and Portugal.
  • Desire for Wealth: Seeking new resources and economic opportunities.
  • Trade Routes: Establishing new pathways for commerce.
  • Territorial Expansion: Expanding influence and control over new lands.
• European Age of Exploration:
  • Political and Economic Changes: Triggered by the decline of feudalism and rise of nation-states.
  • Advancements in Navigation and Shipbuilding: Technological progress facilitating exploration.
  • Discovery of New Lands: Leading to the colonization of the Americas.

Focus Questions

1. What allowed European countries to colonize the New World?
2. How were the Spanish able to defeat the Aztecs?

Hypothetical Situation: Alien Planet Conquest

• Scenario: Class transported to an alien planet with the goal of conquest.
• Challenge: Overcoming a larger alien population with similar technology, physical makeup, and intelligence.
• Discussion Point: Strategies for conquering and controlling the alien population.

How the Spanish Conquered the Aztecs

• Methods Employed by the Spanish:
  • Alliances with Opposing Tribes:
    • Cortes' Strategy: Conquistador Cortes effectively formed alliances to conquer the Aztecs in the early 1500s.
  • Superior Technology:
    • Muskets and Cannons: Provided a technological advantage, but were not entirely decisive.
    • Limitation: \100 men with muskets and cannons faced challenges against \1000 Indians with spears and shields.
  • Disease:
    • Primary Weapon: Disease was the most effective means of subduing native populations.
    • Impact in Mexico: Up to 90% of the native population was decimated by the 1600s due to smallpox and other diseases.

Additional Notes

• Suggestion to include a short Aztec video for visual context.
• Reference to the Governor & Captain-General of New Spain within a history context.