Directions: Conquistadors differed from other explorers in that they also attempted to conquer by force the lands they reached. After reading about Cortes, Pizarro, & Christopher Columbus, complete the graphic organizer to the right by explaining the accomplishments of each conquistador in their respective boxes. At the bottom, explain what the motivations of “Gold, God, & Glory”.
Conquistador: Hernán Cortés
Accomplishments:
- Led an expedition to Mexico in 1519
- Defeated the Aztec Empire and captured their capital, Tenochtitlan, in 1521
- Established the colony of New Spain
- Brought large quantities of gold and silver back to Spain
Conquistador: Francisco Pizarro
Accomplishments:
- Led an expedition to Peru in 1531
- Captured and executed the Inca emperor, Atahualpa, in 1533
- Conquered the Inca Empire and established the colony of Peru
- Acquired vast amounts of gold and silver
Explorer: Christopher Columbus
Accomplishments:
- Made four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean between 1492 and 1504
- Established initial contact between the European and American continents
- Encountered and explored various Caribbean islands
- Opened up the Americas for further exploration and colonization
Motivations: Gold, God, & Glory
- Gold: Many conquistadors were primarily motivated by the desire for wealth and riches. They sought precious metals, such as gold and silver, in the newly discovered lands.
- God: Conquistadors also had a religious motivation, aiming to spread Christianity and convert the indigenous people they encountered to Catholicism.
- Glory: Conquistadors were driven by a thirst for fame, recognition, and power. They wanted to achieve personal glory and leave a lasting legacy through their conquests.