Francisco Pizarro González's appointment as governor of Peru marked a significant milestone in the Spanish conquest of South America. Ascending to this role was a recognition of Pizarro's accomplishments in the New World, particularly following his capture of the Inca ruler Atahualpa and the subsequent expeditions that resulted in the downfall of the Inca Empire. His authority expanded over the vast territories that now make up modern-day Peru, where he would implement Spanish colonial policies and establish settlements that laid the groundwork for prolonged European influence in the region. His governorship was formalized by a royal decree from Charles I of Spain who aimed to regulate the administration of the new territories effectively. Pizarro faced numerous challenges during his governance, including navigating the political landscape with Indigenous leaders and managing the interests of Spanish settlers and the crown.

Under Pizarro’s leadership, Spanish control was established in areas of significant wealth, particularly in mining. The extraction of silver became a driving force for the Spanish economy, contributing to Spain's wealth and increasing its influence in global trade networks. Pizarro's governorship was also marked by conflict both with Indigenous groups and amongst competing Spanish factions, leading to a turbulent yet transformative era in colonial Peru. His tenure lasted until his assassination in 1541, but the foundations he laid endured, influencing colonial administrative practices and interactions within the region.

In summary, Pizarro's governorship represents the intersection of conquest, colonial administration, and the broader Spanish ambitions in the New World. His rule exemplified the complexities of establishing authority over a vast and culturally rich territory characterized by Indigenous civilizations. Through Pizarro's leadership, the Spanish colonial model took shape in Peru, impacting its social, economic, and political dynamics for centuries.