Question 1

Why did Spain want to explore the New World?

Accepted Answer

Spain's motives are often summarised as 'God, gold, and glory'. After completing the Reconquista in 1492, Spain sought to spread Catholicism to new lands. Gold and silver from the Americas would fund Spain's European wars and enrich the crown. Additionally, explorers and conquistadors sought personal fame, land, and titles. The rivalry with Portugal also spurred Spain to find a western route to Asia.

Question 2

How did the Spanish treat the indigenous people?

Accepted Answer

Treatment varied, but it was often brutal. The encomienda system forced indigenous people to work for Spanish colonists in exchange for 'protection' and Christian instruction, but it led to severe exploitation and population decline due to disease and overwork. Some Spanish clergy, like Bartolomé de las Casas, condemned these abuses and fought for indigenous rights. However, the Spanish crown also passed laws (e.g., New Laws of 1542) to protect natives, though they were often ignored.

Question 3

What was the Columbian Exchange?

Accepted Answer

The Columbian Exchange was the widespread transfer of plants, animals, culture, human populations, technology, diseases, and ideas between the Americas, West Africa, and the Old World following Columbus's voyages. For example, potatoes, tomatoes, and maize went from the Americas to Europe, while horses, cattle, and wheat went the other way. Deadly diseases like smallpox devastated indigenous populations, who had no immunity. This exchange dramatically changed the world's ecology and human societies.

Question 4

Who were the main conquistadors and what did they do?

Accepted Answer

The most famous conquistadors are Hernán Cortés, who conquered the Aztec Empire (1519-1521) by forming alliances with rival indigenous groups and capturing Tenochtitlán, and Francisco Pizarro, who conquered the Inca Empire (1532-1533) after capturing and executing Emperor Atahualpa. Others include Juan Ponce de León (explored Florida) and Hernando de Soto (explored the southeastern US). Their actions were driven by ambition, greed, and a sense of religious mission.

Question 5

What was the Valladolid Controversy?

Accepted Answer

The Valladolid Controversy (1550-1551) was a famous debate held in Spain about the morality of the Spanish conquest of the Americas. The main participants were Juan Ginés de Sepúlveda, who argued that indigenous people were 'natural slaves' and that conquest was justified to civilise and Christianise them, and Bartolomé de las Casas, who argued that they were rational beings with rights and should be converted peacefully. The debate did not produce a clear winner, but it influenced Spanish colonial policy and highlighted early human rights concerns.

Question 6

How did the Spanish manage their new empire?

Accepted Answer

Spain established a highly centralised colonial administration. The Council of the Indies in Spain oversaw colonial affairs, while viceroys (e.g., Viceroy of New Spain) governed locally. The encomienda system granted colonists control over indigenous labour, but the crown also set up audiencias (courts) to check viceregal power. The Catholic Church played a key role through missions and the Inquisition. Trade was tightly controlled through the Casa de Contratación (House of Trade) in Seville, which regulated all commerce with the Americas.

Spain and the ‘New World’, c1490–c1555

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Spain and the ‘New World’, c1490–c1555

Subtopics in this area

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Spain want to explore the New World?

How did the Spanish treat the indigenous people?

What was the Columbian Exchange?

Who were the main conquistadors and what did they do?

What was the Valladolid Controversy?

How did the Spanish manage their new empire?

Before You Start

Likely Command Words

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in EDEXCEL GCSE History

British America, 1713–83: empire and revolution

Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, c1060–88

Conflict in the Middle East, 1945–95

British America, 1713–83: empire and revolution