EUROPEAN EXPLOITATION OF THE AMERICAS

KEY TERMS Conquistador-Spanish “conquer” ; Spanish soldier Triangular Trade- trading route from Europe to Africa to the Americas and back to Europe (1/5 of people died) Middle Passage- the passage of slaves from Africa to New World (middle link of the triangle)

Significant People of Early Exploration Montezuma II-leader of the Aztecs Hernando Cortes- Spanish conquistador who defeated the Aztecs Althualpa-leader of the Inca Francisco Pizarro-Spanish conquistador who defeated the Inca *The native believed the Spanish were gods (it was prophesized that they would appear)They had never seen guns,armor,or horses

Spanish Colonies Ruled by Viceroys( governors) Controlled by Haciendas (manors or estates) Native Americans were forced to work as slave laborers (most died of common European diseases) Spanish exploited the land (gold,silver,sugar,cotton,and tobacco) * The crops and money was sent to the King in Spain. Viceroys and conquistadors shared in a percentage .Everyone got rich !

Triangular Trade Copy chart from board