Columbian Exchange, Spanish Exploration, and Conquest - AP U.S. History

King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain. They funded his voyage seeking a western route to Asia.

To acquire wealth, particularly gold and silver. The pursuit of precious metals drove Spanish conquistadors.

Wheat. A staple European grain that became important in colonial agriculture.

Smallpox. Devastated indigenous populations who had no natural immunity.

Sugar. Drove plantation agriculture and the Atlantic slave trade.

Horses. Revolutionized transportation and warfare for Native Americans.

Potatoes. Became a crucial food source that helped feed Europe's growing population.

Spread of European diseases like smallpox. Indigenous peoples lacked immunity to Old World diseases.

The exchange of goods, ideas, and diseases between the Old and New Worlds. Named after Columbus, this process transformed both hemispheres.

The Inca Empire. Their infrastructure facilitated Spanish conquest and control.

Introduction of new foods and cultural practices. European foods and customs gradually spread across the continent.

Protected Spanish interests and colonies. Spain's naval power secured its overseas empire.

San Salvador. Columbus's first landing site in the Caribbean archipelago.

Gave Europeans a significant military advantage. Guns and steel weapons overwhelmed traditional indigenous arms.

Alliances and divide-and-conquer tactics. Exploiting existing rivalries helped small Spanish forces succeed.

Portugal. Portuguese navigators pioneered oceanic exploration techniques.

Juan Ponce de León. He established Spanish presence in southeastern North America.

Cultural assimilation and loss of indigenous traditions. Spanish colonization systematically dismantled native societies.

Maize. Corn became a dietary staple across multiple continents.

Mercantilism. Colonies existed to benefit the mother country economically.

Christopher Columbus. His 1492 voyage initiated permanent contact between hemispheres.

It was a major force in conversion and education. The Church established schools and enforced Spanish culture.

Silver. Massive silver deposits in Mexico and Peru enriched Spain.

To convert indigenous peoples to Christianity. Religious conversion was a key justification for Spanish colonization.

Ferdinand Magellan. His expedition proved the Earth was round and ocean-connected.

Turkey. Domesticated fowl that provided protein in European diets.

Massive population decline. Disease was more devastating than warfare to native populations.

Gold. Spanish conquistadors sought precious metals above all else.

Compass. Essential for navigation across the Atlantic Ocean.