Sensing the possibilities of America, Spaniards started their American expedition in earlier sixteenth century under administration and support of Spanish monarchy. Christopher Columbus started his mission in the year, 1492. He sailed to America with a motive to sell, buy spices as well as other goods and to hunt for the potential trade opportunities of the new places. Spanish sailors were among the first explorers of different new places of the world including the North American territory. This paper discusses the Spanish mission, establishment of Spanish colonies and other related aspects of the story.
Spanish colonies were established in different parts of the North America in sixteenth century. When these events were taking place, other European countries were observing Spanish missions, establishments of the colonies and the consequences. When these European powers saw the Spanish mission turning into a success, they also started trying for the expansion of their empires. In the course of expansion, interests of several European nations started clashing and span being a leader, became a natural rival for other nations. A series of diplomatic activities and wars started among the countries and they started trying to strengthen their position directly or indirectly .
As a result of interventions and politics of European countries, several parts which were controlled by monarchy of Spain, revolted against the Spanish kingdom. Spain started loosing its control from North American territories gradually and by the end of eighteenth century almost all the parts became free from the Spanish control.
Aztec empire was ruling over the highland of central Mexico along with the some parts of Guatemala when Spain attacked this North American territory. Inca Empire used to control the territories of Peru, Bolivia and the region which is now known as Ecuador at the time of Spanish invasion. Spaniards entered into Mexico in November, 1519 with 600 armed men in the leadership of Don Hernando Cortes. The Aztec empire was not strong enough to counter the armed man and succumbed to the attack. The lieutenants of Aztec empire were engaged in interpreting the dreams and omens. Their leader Motecuhzoma was a god fearing man who was ardent believer in the religion and omens. He stressed on relying on omens instead of making a powerful defense system for his own country. The Spaniards on the other hand were highly motivated and equipped with arms. They knew what they were going to get once they defeat Aztec. Aztec empire thus succumbed to the attack and the main reason of their defeat was their policies.
Inca Empire was one of the largest empires in the North American region at the time of Spanish invasion in the area. The victory of Inca was a very significant victory for the monarchy of Spain. Spaniards hounded the borders of Inca Empire in 1528 when Sapa Inca Atahualpa was the emperor of Inca Empire. The victory of Inca Empire was not easy for the Spaniards but their internal differences and mutual disputes weakened their unity and the empire succumbed to the Spanish attack. A number of groups and individuals were involved in the game of power and they were ready to do anything for their self interest. When the Spanish armed men were at the verge of attacking the empire, they did not defend the boundaries with the same devotion as the Spaniards did and as a result, the Inca Empire was plunged.
In the Spanish expedition, a number of cruel acts were done by the Spaniards and according to the ethical and moral issues of our contemporary world, these issues were highly unethical. A large number of people were made prisoners and brought inside the Spain as slaves. Human rights were violated at large scales and people were made subject to severe tortures. Various scholars and sociologists have analyzed the contemporary imperialistic policies of the Spain and found that they were not only highly unethical but were not as per the basic treatments that should be given to the humans. Accounts of the Spanish invasion given by Spaniards themselves suggest that a large number of innocent people were prosecuted by the Spaniards. There are several incidents of hardship mentioned by the people who participated in the expeditions. According to modern beliefs, ethics and morality the atrocities and cruel acts done by the Spaniards during Spanish expedition are considered highly immoral and objectionable which can not be exercised in any circumstances .
After having observed the abovementioned analysis of the Spanish expedition, internal policies of Aztec and Inca Empire, it is good to say that Spanish were the frontrunners in the mission and due to their dedication and internal differences of the Aztec and Inca empires, they succeeded easily in their expeditions. They committed several acts of brutality which is highly condemnable, Unethical and immoral as per the principles of humanity. The Spaniards promoted the acts of slavery by bringing the prisoners in their country and selling them as slaves.
Works Cited
Cristian Andres and Roa-de-la Carrera. Histories of infamy: Francisco Lopez de Gomara and the ethics of Spanish. Colorado: The university press of colorado, 2005.
Nieto-Phillips, Christopher Schmidt-Nowara and John M. Interpreting Spanish colonialism: empires, nations, and legends. New Mexico: The University of new mexico press, 2005.
