EuroEXPLORATION, CONQUEST, & COLONIZATION Exploration The modern world exists in a state of cultural, political, and economic globalization. During the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries two nations, Portugal and Spain, pioneered the European discovery of sea routes that were the first channels of interaction between all of the world’s continents, thus beginning the process of globalization in which we all live today. This Summer Discovery introduces the student to these two pioneering nations, their motivations, their actions, and the inevitable consequences of their colonization. This Discovery also examines the geographical, technological, economic, political, and cultural patterns of that era. The discoveries made this summer are equally good to know for your Spanish classes as your Social Studies classes, but most importantly, it is important to know as an inhabitant of the Americas. From the Arctic waters of Canada and Alaska to the glaciers and fiords of Patagonia, throughout the Americas we live on conquered lands. There are Indigenous peoples who remain marginalized, not treated equally, with less access to education, medicine and opportunities. The civil uprisings here in Ecuador in October 2019 were partially a reflection of the consequences of that exploration and conquest over 500 years ago, just as the recent Black Lives Matter protests in the USA are partially a reflection of the arrival of the first African slaves to the lands of the Americas 400 years ago.
European Explorers Exploration through the Ages This website from The Mariners’ Museum proudly and interactively explores the “explorers, their ships, their tools of navigation, and their voyages.” Visit the museum and review the different explorers. Who were the most important with respect to their impact on Ecuador? Rank three-five in order from who you feel was the most important. Why did you choose these explorers?
Christopher Columbus Christopher Columbus sailed from Spain and landed on the islands of a new continent in October 1492. He left the islands in January 1493 and before arriving in Spain, he wrote several letters describing what happened during his time exploring the islands. One letter was addressed to the Monarchs of the Spanish Court, Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand; one was addressed to Luis De Sant Angel (Santangel), who helped finance the voyage; and one to Gabriel Sanchez, treasurer of the Monarchs. Copies were made of each – by hand – and then sent to printers throughout Europe, where the letters were translated into different languages, copied, printed, and distributed in other countries.
In an old cathedral en Sevilla Spain you have discovered a letter written by written by Christopher Columbus after his first voyage.
This is an amazing Discovery! You are an Archaeologist and historian. Reading this letter will tell you a lot about Columbus and the attitudes of the Europeans when they came to the Americas. Do you believe his thoughts were accurate? Would someone be allowed to write and say such things about a group of people today? Why? Why not?
Two Conquests Comparison Between the Conquest of the Aztecs in Mexico and the Conquest of the Incas in South America. In this Discovery you are going to analyze the similarities and differences between the Spanish conquests of the two great Empires that existed in 15th Century Central and South America, the Aztecs of Mexico and the Inca of Peru and Ecuador.
Comparing Two Conquests - Venn Diagram
Based on what you have seen in the two videos, what do you see as similar and different between the two conquests? How did the Conquest of Mexico contribute to the later conquest of the Inca Empire? On a piece of paper or in a digital format, create a Venn Diagram to record your discoveries.
Comparing the Civilizations of Central America to South America The land we occupy, where we live, determines how we live. This was especially true hundreds of years ago. Watch this video to see how similar and different the two great American Empires were in the 15th Century. Which do you believe were more difficult to conquer? Why?
The Impact of Smallpox and Diseases on the Conquest of America Today we are living through a Pandemic, COVID-19. It is serious for sure, as you know learning from home. But when the Spanish came to America they brought three important weapons, guns, steel swords and........germs! Watch these two videos to see the impact of viruses and European technology on the peoples of the Americas. What do you believe was the most important weapon of the Spanish, guns, germs or steel?
Topic for Conversation: Indigenous People in the Americas Today Five hundred years after Columbus, Cortez and Pizarro, what is the situation of the descendants of the Aztec, Maya, Inca and other indigenous peoples of the Americas? Ask people you know what they know and believe about indigenous peoples in Ecuador. Watch these videos from the United Nations, World Bank, the German Television Network DW,