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Spanish History and Christopher Columbus
At the same time Spain was searching for a route across the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal was also trying to build routes to Asia for trade. With Portugal having succeeded already in finding a Western African coastal route, most people believed they would go on to find a route to Asian trade routes, as well. However, Christopher Columbus approached the Kingdoms of Ferdinand, Isabella, Aragon, and Castille for money so voyages could be made going across the Atlantic directly to Asia. Interestingly, without having any real understanding of the vastness of such travel, Columbus and his crew imagined small ships would work fine.
After reaching the New World in 1492, tensions between Spain and Portugal increased dramatically. However, with Pope Alexander VI took a direct role in resolving this conflict. Soon, treaties such as the Treaty of Tordesillas were established in 1494 and the New World was divided what was believed to be in equal parts. Interestingly, over time as mapping was developed and land chartered, it was discovered that a vast majority of this “new world” fell under Spanish control.
Early on, various settlements were formed by the Spanish to include the Caribbean Islands. Then in 1502, Christopher Columbus made his fourth voyage where he came across a large canoe brimming with trade goods such as cotton garments, flint axes, pottery, cacao beans, and so on. Along with the canoe and cargo, Columbus held one, man prisoner, releasing the boat to float freely in the water. This incident was the very first time the Spanish encountered Central America civilization.
From 1513 to 1517, a number of expeditions took place with Spaniards fighting for the Pacific Ocean, along with lands that connected to it for the Spanish crown. Then from1519 to 1521, an explorer by the name of Hernan Cortes came ashore to claim Veracruz. At this time, Spanish hegemony began over the region, lasting for more than 300 years.
Unfortunately, the native Indians were soon faced with all types of European disease such as measles, influenza, and smallpox. Without any means of protection, populations decreased wherever the Spanish invaders went, which dramatically weakened the native civilizations ability to fight off invaders. Even so, laws to protect the natives living in American colonies were passed with Spain leading the way.
One such law was called the Encomienda System, which prevented slavery. However, the goal in setting such laws was to help convert the natives to Christianity, many times by force. Although this and other systems were partially successful, some of the Spanish explorers followed their own rules, which often included brutality and unfairness to the native people.
Over time, the Spaniards and natives had children, which led to the formation of the Mestizo class. Considered Americans, these people were required to pay taxes in accordance with Spanish law and ordered to follow any law governed by the Spanish crown. One particular priest, Bartolome de las Casas stood up for the Native Americans and in 1542, he wrote material that would be largely responsible for the New Laws of 1542 in which the rights of the native people were protected.
