Spain and Columbian Exchange

Spain played a dominant role in early American colonialism (1450-1600).

Notably, Spanish explorers, called conquistadors sought wealth, fame, and the spread of Christianity amongst the native peoples of the Americas. Famous conquistadors to know include Francisco Pizarro, who conquered the Incas, and Hernan Cortes, who conquered the Aztecs.

Imposed labor systems involving native people would follow, such as the encomienda system would drive debates over the morality of forced labor. This culminated in the Valladolid Debate, in which Bartolome de la Casas argued against encomiendas, while Juan Ginés de Sepúlveda supported the system.

The mixing of cultures, Christianity, and trade grew rapidly, notably via the Columbian Exchange: the widespread transfer of plants, animals, culture, human populations, technology, diseases, and ideas between the Americas, Africa, and Europe in the 15th and 16th centuries. Pushback against this mixing of cultures occurred through the violent Pope's Revolt, in which Pope led the Pueblo people to attack churches and other Spanish colonial settlements.

Review this Columbian Exchange mnemonic and more American Colonialism mnemonics for the AP US History and Regents Exams.