Conquests

Definition

Conquests refer to the act of seizing control over a territory or people, often through military force. During the Age of Exploration, European powers expanded their empires by conquering new lands, which facilitated the spread of their influence, culture, and economy. This period saw intense competition among nations as they sought to dominate trade routes and establish colonies in the Americas, Africa, and Asia.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The conquests during the Age of Exploration were driven by a desire for wealth, territorial expansion, and the spread of Christianity.
2. Key figures in these conquests included Hernán Cortés, who led the expedition that resulted in the fall of the Aztec Empire, and Francisco Pizarro, who conquered the Inca Empire.
3. European powers used advanced military technology, including firearms and steel weapons, which gave them a significant advantage over indigenous populations.
4. Many conquests led to the establishment of colonies that reshaped global trade patterns, as resources from conquered lands were exploited and exported to Europe.
5. The conquests also had devastating effects on native populations due to warfare, disease, and cultural disruption, leading to significant declines in their numbers.

Review Questions

• How did the motivations behind European conquests during the Age of Exploration influence the interactions with indigenous populations?
  • The motivations behind European conquests were largely driven by a thirst for wealth, land, and the desire to spread Christianity. This often led to violent encounters with indigenous populations, who faced military aggression and exploitation. The Europeans viewed indigenous peoples as obstacles to their goals and justified their actions through a sense of superiority and entitlement. As a result, these interactions frequently resulted in significant cultural disruption and population decline among native groups.
• Evaluate the impact of technological advancements on the success of European conquests during this era.
  • Technological advancements played a crucial role in the success of European conquests during the Age of Exploration. Innovations such as firearms, cannons, and steel weaponry provided European forces with a significant edge over indigenous armies that often relied on traditional weapons. Additionally, advancements in navigation and shipbuilding allowed for longer sea voyages and safer transport of troops and supplies. This combination of military technology and maritime capabilities greatly enhanced European powers' ability to conquer vast territories across different continents.
• Analyze how the conquests of indigenous civilizations during the Age of Exploration laid the groundwork for modern global trade systems.
  • The conquests of indigenous civilizations during the Age of Exploration fundamentally altered global trade systems by integrating new resources into Europe’s economies. The extraction of gold, silver, and agricultural products from conquered territories fueled European wealth and created new markets. This transition not only benefited European economies but also established trade networks that linked continents through resource exchange. As these systems developed, they contributed to the rise of mercantilism and later capitalism, reshaping economic relations globally and laying a foundation for modern international trade.

Related terms

Colonialism:

The practice of acquiring and maintaining control over foreign territories, often leading to the exploitation of resources and indigenous populations.

Imperialism:

A policy or ideology where a country extends its power and influence through diplomacy or military force over other nations or territories.

Treaty of Tordesillas:

An agreement between Spain and Portugal in 1494 that divided newly discovered lands outside Europe between them, influencing their respective conquests in the Americas.