AP World History Unit IV

Latin America Under European Influence

Period: Jan 1, 1490 to Jan 1, 1700

Although native culture survived to some extent, the Spanish occupation of Latin America drastically changed society, the economy, and the political systems of Latin America.

Town of Isabella is founded

May 3, 1493

Christopher Columbus founded Isabella, one of the first Spanish settlements in Latin America. He did this in 1493, on his second voyage to the New World. This event shows change, as Latin America is now being colonized by Europeans.

Cumana is founded

Apr 2, 1501

The first permanent settlement by Europeans in the mainland Americas is made by Franciscan friars in present-day Venezuela. Although the settlement was relocated due to native attacks, it was initially established in 1501. This shows change, as the natives in the Americas were beginning to be affected by the Europeans.

Spanish war against the Aztecs begins

Feb 1, 1519

The Spanish begin their war against the Aztec Empire in present-day Mexico. This occurs sometime in February 1509. The Spanish were led by Hernan Cortes. This event shows a drastic change, as it is the first Spanish conquest in the New World. While not the last, it is certainly one of the most significant conquests by the Spanish.

Cortes captures Moctezuma II

Nov 8, 1519

During his visit to Tenochitlan, the Aztec capital, Cortes takes Moctezuma II, the emperor of the Aztec empire, hostage. Cortes uses Moctezuma to control the Aztec empire for several months. This marks change, as it sets a standard for Spanish conquerors to capture the leader of the Native American empires.

Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire

Aug 13, 1521

In 1521, the Spanish, led by Cortes, and allied Native Americans captured Tenochitlan, the capital of the Aztec Empire. They then established New Spain in modern-day Mexico. This event marks change, at least for the natives, due to the fact that the Spanish captured the first native empire.

Spanish attack on the Incas

Feb 3, 1532

The Spanish arranged a meeting with Atahualpa, the emperor of the Inca Empire. They captured him and used him to get gold from the Inca Empire. This is continuity, as the Spanish used the same tactic with the Aztecs earlier.

Viceroyalty of Peru established

Feb 3, 1542

In 1542, the Spanish finished the conquest of the Incas and established a colonial government in Peru. This is continuity for the Spanish, as they had established other colonial holdings by this point, but it was change for the natives, as they were now under Spanish rule.

Spanish conquest of the Mayas begins

Feb 3, 1551

In 1551, the Spanish stepped up their efforts against the Mayan Empire and other groups in the Yucatan peninsula. This is only continuity, however, as the Spanish had been raiding Mayan cities for gold for many years by this point.

Spanish establish the mita

Feb 3, 1569

During colonial rule of Peru, the Spanish re-established the mita, a system of mandatory work shifts in service to the government. They did this to get free labor for the silver mines at Potosi. This shows continuity, as the Spanish brought back a system used by the Inca Empire.

Spanish conquest of the Yucatan peninsula finished

Feb 3, 1697

Though the Mayas had already fallen by this point, the Spanish finished their conquest of the Yucatan peninsula sometime in 1697. This event shows continuity, because the Spanish had made many conquests in Latin America by this point in time.