Colonization Of North America: Spanish Settlements - Bringing Christianity To North America And The Conquest Of The Azte

The Spanish colonization of the Americas was driven by a desire for land, riches, and the spread of Christianity. However, the arrival of Europeans led to the decimation of Native populations due to diseases. Hernán Cortés' conquest of the Aztec Empire exemplified the Spanish approach, characterized by violence and religious imposition. Similar conquests occurred in Peru and Central America, with the Spanish enforcing systems like encomienda. Despite the imposition of Catholicism, many Native Americans secretly maintained their beliefs.

What was one of the primary motives for Spain's colonization of the New World?

• To escape European conflicts

• To learn from Native American cultures

• To establish trade routes

• To spread Christianity

What was a significant consequence of the Spanish arrival in the New World?

• Peaceful coexistence with Native Americans

• Introduction of new agricultural techniques

• Spread of European diseases

• Establishment of democratic governments

What was Hernán Cortés primarily seeking in the Aztec Empire?

• Religious freedom

• New allies

• Scientific knowledge

• Great riches

How did the Spanish view the Aztec practice of human sacrifice?

• As a justification for conquest

• As a fascinating cultural ritual

• As a reason to respect the Aztecs

• As a minor aspect of Aztec culture

What system did the Spanish establish to extract tribute from Native populations?

• Barter system

• Caste system

• Encomienda

• Feudalism

Who were the adelantados in the context of Spanish colonization?

• Spanish priests

• Native American leaders

• Licensed explorers and conquerors

• Spanish merchants

How did most Native Americans respond to the Spanish demand for religious conversion?

• They fled to avoid conversion

• They openly resisted conversion

• They fully embraced Catholicism

• They pretended to convert while keeping their beliefs