Conquest Timeline

Marriage of Isabella and Ferdinand of Spain

1469

Consolidated power and resources under a unified Spanish monarchy. Making the funding and organization of exploration and conquest efforts that much easier. Marks the beginning of the era of conquest and exploration.

Conquest of Granada

1492

Freed up resources and manpower previously dedicated to the Reconquista. It further allowed Spain to focus on overseas exploration and conquest.

Columbus's Voyage in the New World

1492

Sparked the era of European exploration and exploitation of the Americas. Which ultimately lead to the conquest and colonization of Indigenous peoples and lands.

Treaty of Tordesillas

1494

Divided newly discovered lands between Spain and Portugal. It legitimized the Spanish claims to vast territories in the Americas. Even more so enabling further conquest and exploitation.

Inquisition officially established in New Spain

1500

It enforced religious orthodoxy and suppressed protest among conquered populations. Facilitating Spanish control and exploitation of resources.

Ferdinand Magellan circumnavigates the globe

1519

Opened up new trade routes and territories for exploitation. It also enhanced Spain's global economic power.
(1519-1522)

Beginning of transatlantic slave trade

1526

Provided cheap labor crucial for the economic exploitation of conquered territories, specifically in mining and agriculture.

The Dominican order arrives in New Spain

1526

Engaged in missionary work among Indigenous populations.
Making their conversion to Christianity and acceptance of Spanish exploitation easy.

Fray Juan de Zumárraga is appointed the first Bishop of Spain, de facto Inquisitor

1528

Played a key role in converting Indigenous populations to Christianity. Allowing for easy acceptance of Spanish rule and exploitation.

Bartolomé de las Casas writes "A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies"

1542

Exposed the brutal treatment and exploitation of Indigenous peoples by Spanish colonizers, sparking debates about ethical treatment and exploitation.

Pedro de Córdoba is appointed "Inquisitor of the West Indies"

1570

Enforced religious conformity among both settlers and Indigenous peoples, supporting Spanish control and exploitation of resources.

The Inquisition begins in New Spain

1571

Enforced religious orthodoxy among conquered populations, suppressing opposition and facilitated Spanish control and exploitation.

Jesuit order arrives in New Spain

1572

Similar to the Dominicans, the Jesuits supported Spanish conquest and exploitation through missionary activities and education.

Luis de Carvajal's trial under the Inquisition

1596

Demonstrated the Inquisition's role in maintaining religious conformity and political control in the Spanish colonies, which were important for exploitation.

End of the Inquisition in New Spain

1600

Created a shift in Spanish colonial policy and the diminishing importance of religious orthodoxy in maintaining control over conquered territories. Leading to new forms of exploitation and governance.