Who Did The Spanish Conquer In South America: Unraveling The Conquest

Starting in 1492 with Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas, the Spanish Empire embarked on a conquest that spanned more than three centuries. During this period, Spain expanded its dominion over various regions, including the Caribbean Islands, approximately half of South America, most of Central America, and significant parts of North America. This extensive territorial expansion played a pivotal role in shaping the history and cultural landscape of the Americas.

In Central America, during the early 16th century, several Spanish conquistadors undertook significant campaigns to establish Spanish dominance. Hernando Cortés is renowned for his conquest of the Aztec Empire located in present-day Mexico, where he successfully defeated the Aztecs under the rule of Emperor Montezuma in the year 1521. Meanwhile, Pedro de Alvarado achieved a similar feat in Central America by subduing what remained of the Mayan civilization, primarily in Guatemala, thereby paving the way for Spanish colonization in that region. Furthermore, further to the south, Francisco Pizarro led an expedition into South America, ultimately conquering the Inca Empire, situated in modern-day Peru. These conquests, each with its unique challenges and outcomes, marked significant turning points in the history of Spanish exploration and colonization in Central and South America. (Note: The date mentioned in the original passage, “4th Oct 2021,” appears to be incorrect and has been omitted in this revised version, as it does not pertain to the historical events discussed.)