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Unearthing Shadows: Conquistadors’ Footprints in the Caribbean
Introduction Today, following up on our last post, we journey back to a time of exploration, conquest, and transformation as we explore the lives of three monumental figures: Francisco Pizarro, Juan Ponce de León, and Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar. These three Spanish conquistadors, each with unique tales of daring and discovery, left an indelible imprint…
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Unforgettable Expedition: Hernán Cortés and the Fall of the Aztec Empire
Introduction The dawn of the 16th century marked a pivotal era in history as fearless conquistadors set their sights on the uncharted lands of the New World. Following up on our last post, discovering Juan Ponce de León’s role in establishing San Juan made me consider how other famous conquistadors launched their expeditions from the…
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Tracing the History of Early Spanish Settlements in the Caribbean
Persisting on the overarching topic of Spanish colonialism in the Caribbean, looking at some Spanish settlements established is vital. Under Spanish rule, the Caribbean had transformed into a hub of international trade and commerce. Spain had created “Las Antillas Occidentales,” the Spanish Antilles or West Indies. This term includes the islands of the Greater Antilles…
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Enriquillo: The Fearless Cacique Who Resisted Colonialism and Oppression
Introduction When writing my last post regarding the interactions between the native Amerindians and the Spanish settlers, the figure of Enriquillo stood out to me, and I decided to take a deeper dive into the character and his life. Enriquillo was a Taino cacique who lived in the 16th century on Hispaniola. He is best…
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The Devastating Effects of Spanish Colonialism on Caribbean Natives
Introduction As discussed in a previous post, the Age of Exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries was a watershed moment in world history. Columbus’ trips to the Caribbean paved the way for the European colonization of the region. However, Columbus’ arrival in the Caribbean was not a peaceful encounter. The native peoples of the…