UNIT 7: THE DISCOVERY OF AMERICA

THE REIGN OF THE CATHOLIC MONARCHS

At the end of the 15th century, the Catholic Monarchs extended their territories.

• They conquered Granada in 1492, the Canary Islands in 1496 and the kingdom of Navarre in 1512.
• They gained the kingdom of Napoles in Italy.
• They also conquered Melilla and other territories in 1497.

THE DISCOVERY OF AMERICA

In the 15th century, many people thought the world was flat. Europeans only had information about Europe, North Africa and part of Asia. Christopher Columbus was an Italian sailor and explorer. Columbus discovered the American continent.

On 3rd August 1492, Columbus left Huelva with three caravel ships. On 12th October the sailors saw land. After this voyage, Columbus organized three more voyages to explore these new lands.

Christopher Columbus thought he had reached Asia. Years after his death, an Italian sailor, Amerigo Vespucci proved that those lands were a new continent. The new continent was called America.

CONSEQUENCES OF THE DISCOVERY OF AMERICA

The discovery of America had many consequences:

• Spain conquered most of the American continent and became the most poweful empire in Europe.
• World trade increased. The Spanish brought large amounts of gold and silver to Europe from America.
• The Spanish brought new products, animals and plants to Europe such as potatoes, tomatoes, tobacco and cocoa. The Europeans brought coffee and horses to America.

THE CONQUEST OF AMERICA

After Christopher Columbus's first voyage, the Spanish quicky conquered the Caribbean. They then explored the American continent. The most important expeditions were led by Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizarro.

• Hernán Cortés conquered the Aztec Empire and Mayan cities between 1519 and 1521.
• Francisco Pizarro conquered the Inca Empire in 1533.

THE REIGN OF CARLOS I

Carlos I was the first king of the Habsburg dynasty in Spain. He was born in Belgium and he inherited territories in Europe (Italy, Netherlands, France, Germany...).

THE REIGN OF FELIPE II

In 1556, Felipe II became king of Spain. He added to the territories in America, Africa and Asia. In 1580, he became King of Portugal. In 1561, Felipe II made Madrid the capital of the empire. The government and the court settled there.