Essay God and Gold Spanish Exploration - 1126 Words

Spanish Exploration Spanish exploration and settlement of the western hemisphere lasted from 1492 until 1898, from Christopher Columbus’s first voyage to the loss of its last colonies in the Spanish-American war. As with all major seafaring European nations, they were in pursuit of the fabled Northwest Passage, a direct route to Asia. This was how Christopher Columbus stumbled upon the Americas, on his quest for this route. The Spanish were after more though, specifically gold and spread of the Christian faith. With this page we will discuss multiple historical figures, places, and ideas that emphasized what the Spanish found most important at the time, God and gold. Hernà ¡n Cortà ©s Born an only child in 1485, Hernan Cortes was an ambitious†¦show more content†¦After a mutiny and less then fruitful journeys, Pizarro convinced the Spanish government to allow an expedition with the prospect of being the future governor of the unclaimed land Peru (The Mariners Museum, 2014). He made his way towards the city of Cajamarca in 1532, being allowed to travel inland by the Incan emperor, Atahualpa, believing they were â€Å"children of the sun† (Black, 2005). At the city, Pizarro hosted a huge feast, with many Inca nobles, including the emperor, attending. While at the feast, the Incan guests were rushed, killed, and the emperor taken hostage. After chats, Atahualpa agreed to ransom himself by agreeing to fill a room, and when that was not enough, he doubled the offer. The final offer consisting of over 3,000 cubic feet worth of gold and silver (The Mariners Museum, 2014). Even after having to send their own troops out to help collect all the riches from a cross the Incan empire, eventually his men returned with a staggering load of riches. After all was said and done, by June 1533, Pizarro had 333lbs worth of gold and silver, a value of nearly 100 million US dollars (The Mariners Museum, 2014). He sent his brother to turn his 1/5 portion due to the Spanish Crown and was promptly reward with fame, fortune, and royal titles whereas Atahualpa was executed, but not before he was converted. He still had to conquer Cuzco, the Capital of Peru. This would prove to beShow MoreRelatedWhat Did The Spanish Didn t Go From New Land For Work?1340 Words   |  6 Pagesheaven quicker, conquer new land for work, and find unique supplies to sale. The exploration era appear and they found a way to do all these three objectives. The Spanish didn t arrive in Mexico with peace but greed and evil. Spain did something good for their country and brought honor to their King but what most people forget is the evil things they did to the Aztecs.They didn t come to Mexico for a peaceful exploration but to finish their three objectives; force their religion on the Aztecs, conquerRead MoreSpanish Dbq Essay649 Words   |  3 PagesDaswani 1 Diya Daswani October 4, 2012 AP European History Coach Freeman Spanish Conquistadors Different motives throughout the time of exploration leading to the New World affected Spanish attitudes against natives by not only focusing on gold, glory, and God, but by strength and power as well. The age of exploration to the new world was dominated by the Spanish conquistadors. Their success in new discoveries brought great power and strength to Spain. In most circumstances, a countryRead MoreHernan Cortes Of Spain And Portugal1273 Words   |  6 PagesSpaniards know a sickness of the heart that only gold can cure.†- Hernan Cortes During the 1490 s and 1500 s, exploration became important among Europeans, specifically the sailing to the New World. Due to the growing influx of trade networks between Europe and Asia, the idea of new goods such as spices, livestock and other resources from the New World became a large priority for trading companies. Spain and Portugal became the leaders in exploration of the New World in the 15th and 16th centuriesRead MoreEssay Changes in Early Modern Europe967 Words   |  4 Pagesintertwined during the upheaval of the Old World which proved to be a driving force in the search for and eventual settlement of new lands. The Reformation and the Counter-Reformation were major motivating factors in early modern Europe leading to exploration of new lands. This began with Martin Luther’s break from Catholic doctrine in 1519. By the time the Reformation came onto the European stage, Spain had already discovered the New World and started settling there. One of their goals was to establishRead MoreCauses Of The Age Of Exploration1112 Words   |  5 Pages The geographical exploration was a period of time when European states began exploring the world. The European exploration known as the Age of Discovery, or the Age of Exploration began in the early fifteenth century and extended throughout the late sixteenth century. During this time, European nations discovered new routes. This led to the discovering of trade from different places outside of Europe. Europe exploration expanded to places such as the Americas, Africa, and much of the Far East. ManyRead MoreNotes on Monarchy962 Words   |  4 Pages   | Renaissance | Reformation | Exploration | Absolute Monarchs | Renaissance | - Emphasis, causes, effects, specifics (Art: painting, sculpture, architecture, literature) Patrons | Gutenbergs printing press = Renaissance ideas spread... Religion = Art Pope wanted to make a new dome for sistine chapel. Michelangelo was asked to paint it. the pope needed $ to build so he sold indulgences. Luther was against this... Church art frequently featured holy figures, Protestants (iconoclasts) didnt likeRead MoreSpanish and English Exploration Essay1199 Words   |  5 Pages2010 Spanish and English had similar motivations for exploration of the New World, such as gaining land, goods from the natives, and gold. However, their motivations also differ greatly. The Spanish conquistadors also gained slaves from the native people, as well as spreading the word of Christianity. The English settlers came to the New World to get away from the religious oppression in England and to practice religion freely, and to grow tobacco to send back to England. The Spanish gainedRead MoreThe Spaniards And The Indians1238 Words   |  5 PagesThe Spaniards and the Indians The Spanish crown was almost the top world power at the time of the North American exploration. They had ships, men, influence of Christ, and the pursuit for gold. These were some of the key features that the Spanish were going to use to justify enslavement and mistreatment of the Indians. Portugal became a global empire; Spain wanted to find a faster way to get to Asia (Lecture). The Spanish exploration started with Columbus in the year 1492. One year later, 1493Read MoreDifferences Between New England And Spanish Colonies951 Words   |  4 PagesThe New England and Spanish Colonies In a time when numerous countries were beginning to explore the new and exciting land of North America during the Age of Exploration, and groups of people from England and Spain were fleeing their home countries either for religious freedom or wealth, vast and civilized colonies began to form all throughout the New World. It is in this context that the colonies founded by the English and the Spanish began to develop and grow. There was a significant differenceRead MoreThe Columbian Exchange And The New World1161 Words   |  5 PagesDuring the year 1942, Christopher Columbus and several of his exploration partners discovered the New World. This began what is known as the Columbian Exchange. The Columbian Exchange affected people from various countries politically, socially, and economically. Some people benefited more than others. Due to these effects, the Columbian Exchange is considered one of the most important events in world history. One of the groups that was affected, both positively and negatively by the Columbian Exchange