Spanish+Explorers

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = =Spanish Explorers=
 * [[image:http://study.com/cimages/multimages/16/Tenochtitlan2.jpg width="353" height="170" caption="Aztecs" link="Aztecs"]] || [[image:mrminixeducation/01-gs.jpg width="308" height="171" caption="Conquistadors" link="Conquistadors"]] ||  ||
 * [[image:http://www.greatdreams.com/mayan/mayan_calender.jpg width="314" height="308" caption="The Mayan" link="The Mayan"]] || [[image:http://images.clipartpanda.com/game-clip-art-6a00e5509ea6a18834017d3c50b674970c.jpg width="320" height="270" link="Native American Games"]] ||  ||


 * What was the age of exploration for Spain? **

Spain was one of the 'super powers' in Europe during the Age of Exploration (about 1400-1630). England, Spain, France, the Netherlands and Sweden were all looking to new lands, wealth and riches to build their empires and gain power. These European countries all believed that they could make their country stronger by going out and finding new land to call their own. The discovery of the 'New World' (The Americas) provided new lands and opportunities for Spain and the Spanish in America. ** Spanish in America - The Spanish Explorers ** Spain sent explorers of America who undertook the 3000 mile journey from Europe to North America across perilous, unchartered seas. ** Spanish in America - The Conquistadors and the Encomienda system ** The Conquistadors were the Spanish Soldiers and Explorers called 'el conquistador'. The Spanish word "conquistador" means conqueror. The attitude of the Spanish conquistadors to the Native American Indians was that they were savage and pagan (didn't believe in the same god). The Spanish government said that since the Indians were pagan they could be conquered and made to pay tribute. The called this policy the encomienda system. Spanish explorers treated the Native Indians very poorly and the who lost their freedom, their rights, their culture and their religion. The Spanish Conquistadors were feared and hated by the Native Indians.
 * The Spanish in America started in 1492 when Christopher Columbus, searching for a new trade route to China, took possession of the new land for Spain.
 * In 1513 Vasco de Balboa crossed the Isthmus of Panama to become the first European to lead an expedition to reach the Pacific Ocean from the New World. He claimed the Pacific Ocean for Spain.
 * In 1513 Juan Ponce de Leon sailed around the southern end of Florida looking for gold and treasure.
 * In 1519 Hernando Cortes began the first phase of the Spanish colonization of the Americas and conquered the Aztec empire. Cortez took over their main city Tenochtitlan which was filled with gold and treasure.
 * In 1539 Hernando de Soto explored the southeastern United States from Tampa Bay to to South Carolina and crossed the Mississippi River in search of gold.
 * In 1545 Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo led the first European expedition to explore the upper California coast
 * In 1519 Hernando Cortes began the first phase of the Spanish colonization of the Americas and conquered the Aztec empire. Cortez took over their main city Tenochtitlan which was filled with gold and treasure.
 * In 1539 Hernando de Soto explored the southeastern United States from Tampa Bay to to South Carolina and crossed the Mississippi River in search of gold.
 * In 1545 Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo led the first European expedition to explore the upper California coast
 * In 1545 Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo led the first European expedition to explore the upper California coast
 * In 1545 Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo led the first European expedition to explore the upper California coast

** Spanish in America - Extension of the wars in Europe ** The European countries attempting to colonize America allowed their dynastic wars in Europe to spill over to America. The Swedish and the Dutch were been ousted from America, leaving the 'Super Powers' to fight for possession. The following map shows the land claims made by the Spanish, British and French and the disputed areas of the New World in 1754.
 * [[image:http://www.landofthebrave.info/images/1754-colonial-map-1.gif width="303" height="287" caption="1754 Map showing claims of Great Britain, France and Spain"]] ||
 * ^  || ● **British Colonies** ||
 * ^  || ● **New France** ||
 * ^  || ● **New Spain** ||
 * ^  || ● **Disputed Areas** ||