Historical Events tagged with "spanish conquest"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Military & Warfare

Spanish Forces Clash with Huilliches

January 27th, 1759 266 years ago

Spanish forces engaged the indigenous Huilliches in Río Bueno, Chile, in January 1759, during a conflict sparked by Spanish territorial ambitions. The Huilliches, defending their land, faced the well-trained and equipped Spanish troops. This confrontation highlighted the tensions between colonial expansion and the sovereignty of Indigenous peoples in southern Chile.

Continue Reading
Exploration & Discovery

Hernando de Soto Lands at Tampa Bay

May 30th, 1539 485 years ago

Hernando de Soto, a Spanish explorer, landed at Tampa Bay with a force of 600 soldiers. His expedition aimed to discover gold and claim new territory for Spain. The arrival marked the beginning of extensive exploration in the southeastern North America and set the stage for further Spanish colonization efforts in the region. De Soto's quest for riches and power would lead him through various territories inhabited by Native American tribes.

Continue Reading
Exploration & Discovery

Sebastián de Belalcázar Founding Santiago de Cali

July 25th, 1536 488 years ago

Sebastián de Belalcázar, a Spanish conquistador, led an expedition in search of the mythical city of El Dorado. During his travels, he founded Santiago de Cali in present-day Colombia. This strategic settlement was established in a fertile valley near the Cauca River, chosen for its advantageous location for trade and exploration. Belalcázar’s motivations were driven by the promises of riches and glory associated with El Dorado, leading to the Spanish colonization of the region and encounters with indigenous populations.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Pizarro Conquers Cuzco, Inca Capital

November 15th, 1533 491 years ago

Francisco Pizarro and his forces entered Cuzco, the capital of the Inca Empire, marking a significant moment in the Spanish conquest of Peru. Following the capture of Inca Emperor Atahualpa, Pizarro sought to solidify Spanish control over the region. The Inca capital, with its impressive architecture and wealth, symbolized the heart of the empire. Pizarro aimed to exploit the city's resources and convert its inhabitants to Christianity, thus altering their cultural landscape.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Cortés Defeats Narváez in Power Struggle

May 20th, 1520 504 years ago

Hernán Cortés successfully defeated Pánfilo de Narváez and his forces in a pivotal encounter that solidified his control over Mexico. De Narváez was sent by the Spanish crown to bring Cortés to justice for his insubordination during the conquest of the Aztec Empire. The confrontation took place near present-day Veracruz, where Cortés's strategic planning and local alliances secured his victory, allowing him to consolidate power in the region.

Continue Reading