The conquest and organisation of the American Empire.

The crown of Castile conquered American territory thanks to its military superiority because it exploited the divisions between the indigenous peoples.

THE GREAT EXPEDITIONS:
 -Mexico. This conquest was led by Hernán Cortes, who founded the city of Veracruz. He conquered the Aztecs.
 -Peru.This conquest was led by Francisco Pizarro, the territories of the Inca Empire. Today, these territories included Peru, Ecuador and part of Bolivia.
In 1533, the colonisers executed the Inca emperor, Atahualpa.

THE ORGANISATION OF THE CONQUERED TERRITORIES:
The conquered territories were part of the Crown of Castile. The language,culture and lawswere imposed in these territories.
Two administrative areas were established, New Spain and Peru.
Cabildos(mayors) were also appointed to govern cities, and courts established to impart justice.

THE EXPLOITATIO OF RESOURCES:
The new territories were divided among the colonisers.

TRADE IN AMERICA:
Extensive mining was carried out in America and all was sent back to Spain. Other exports were new to Europe.
Castile also imported goods to America. The Casa de Contratación (House of trade), in Seville, regulated trade between Spain and America.

COLONIAL SOCIETY:
Most of the population was indigenous, Spaniards had political and economic power.
Different social groups:
     -Criollos: descendants of the colonisers.
     -Mestizos: one Spanish and one indigenous parent.
     -Black slaves: were brought from Africa.
The colonisation affected the demographics of the indigenous peoples in some areas the local population disappeared completely.

American flag nowadays.