Explain the accomplishments of each conquistador. explain what the motivations of “Gold, God, & Glory”.
The conquistadors were a group of Spanish explorers and conquerors who sailed to the Americas during the 15th and 16th centuries. Their primary motivations can be summed up in the phrase "Gold, God, and Glory," which reflects their desires for wealth, religious conversions, and personal fame. Each conquistador achieved different accomplishments, but here are a few notable ones:
1. Hernán Cortés: Cortés is best known for the conquest of the Aztec Empire in modern-day Mexico. In 1519, he arrived in the region and established alliances with indigenous groups who were enemies of the Aztecs. With their help and superior weaponry, Cortés defeated the Aztec Emperor Montezuma and claimed the land for Spain. His conquest resulted in the downfall of the Aztec civilization and the establishment of New Spain.
2. Francisco Pizarro: Pizarro is famous for the conquering the Inca Empire in what is now Peru. In 1532, he captured the Inca Emperor Atahualpa, which led to the Spanish takeover of the empire. Pizarro established the city of Lima and claimed vast riches for Spain, including the legendary city of El Dorado.
3. Francisco de Orellana: Orellana is known for his exploration of the Amazon River. In 1541, he embarked on an expedition to find El Dorado but ended up being the first European to traverse the entire length of the Amazon River. This feat opened up new routes for colonization and trade in the region.
"Gold, God, and Glory" were the main motivations for the conquistadors. Gold, or wealth, was a significant motive, as they believed the Americas were filled with untold riches. They sought gold and other valuable resources like silver, spices, and precious stones, which they could claim for themselves or send back to Spain.
God refers to the desire to spread Christianity and convert the indigenous people they encountered. The conquistadors believed it was their duty to bring the Catholic faith to the New World and save the souls of the native population. They built churches and converted large numbers of indigenous peoples, often through force or coercion.
Glory represents the conquistadors' quest for personal fame, honor, and social advancement. They saw themselves as brave adventurers and conquerors, seeking recognition from their peers and the Spanish Crown. Conquering new lands and peoples brought them prestige and elevated their social status in Spanish society.
Overall, the conquistadors' accomplishments included the expansion of Spanish territories, the acquisition of vast wealth, and the spread of the Spanish language, culture, and religion. However, their actions also had devastating consequences for the indigenous peoples, including the loss of lives, destruction of civilizations, and the establishment of exploitative colonial systems.