2. Age of Empires In the 15 th century European nations had begun to expand on their horizons and explore beyond the European and Mediterranean World. This inhibition to explore would inherently lead as a push to expand the world known to Europeans. Europeans arriving in America would vastly change the world on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean

3. During these events Europe had experienced an expansion in cultural and economic development. Merchants from Italy had gained control over the trading of spices from Asia. As a result of wealth, Banking systems, commercial and political growth had developed. Three other valued items of trade were: Gunpowder, the Compass and printing with Movable Type. – Gunpowder, used for military purposes had revolutionized warfare, and gave nations a powerful advantage against enemies. – The compass, combined with other sailing equipment equipment, encouraged voyages of exploration for many Europeans – Printing with movable type allowed knowledge to spread amongst the civilians easier and faster. – In 1453 Ottoman Turks had invaded and captured Constantinople (present-day Istanbul) – With new Islamic rulers, stopping Christian Europe from passing through traditional routes. European merchants had to find other ways of reaching Asia.

4. As the Spaniards were mining silver and attempting to convert the Native Americans to Christianity other countries were gaining power and approaching the Spaniards level of dominance. England and France were looking for a foothold on the continent north of the Spanish colonies. The English and the French found fish and fur to be far easier to get and more plentiful that gold and silver. This would create the foundation of the two European empires in North America. Push Less jobs Harder jobs Less food Pull More food Easier jobs than mining silver and gold

5. Explorer Christopher Columbus, with supported by Spanish monarchs sailed east ward, hoping to find a sea route to Asia in 1492. He landed in the Bahamas which he thought was China. Columbus landed in North America, The New World.

6. Push -New 15 th century improvements in shipbuilding and navigation allowed Europeans to sail to new places. -promises of fame glory and glory Pull -The riches of the new world.

7. Spain and Portugal came into conflict with each other over boarders. The Treaty of Tordesillas states Spain will receive most the of Americas while Portugal gets Brazil, Africa and Asia.

8. -conquerors for Spain -16 th century, occupied the islands of the Caribbean seeking treasure -the Natives were killed, enslaved, or died of disease -Spaniards did not approve the treatment of natives like this -Priest Batolome de las Casas argued that they should be converting natives to Christianity, not to murder them -They lobbied for more humane treatment but with no success -1519 conquistador Hernan Cortes led 500 soldiers into Mexico -Mexico was at that time ruled by the fierce Aztecs -Cortes led his soldiers into the capital, Tenochtitlan and captured the leader: Montezuma -The Aztec fought back but lost as the Spaniards allied themselves with the enemies of the Aztec and the Spaniards spread smallpox to kill the Aztec population -Within two years, the Aztec empire collapsed and Spain established Mexico City on the ruins of Tenochtitlan. -Mines were established and became the main source of income for the Spain Government

9. -1513 Ponce de Leon claimed the southerly part of the Atlantic coast for Spain, calling it Florida. -The natives fought back and Ponce de Leon was killed in 1521 -A group of French Protestants established a base on the coast of Florida from which they attacked and seized Spanish treasure ships transporting silver to Europe -1565 Spaniards destroyed the French settlement; all inhabitants were executed -Spain Establish St. Augustine to prevent future settlements -1598 an expedition sent to spread Christianity captured several towns and killed most of the inhabitants and enslaving the remainder -Santa Fe became the capital of New Mexico in 1609 -Possessing little economic significance, it attracted very little settlers -New Mexico remained an isolated outpost of the Spanish Empire