Spanish Dominions, in N. America

Title

Spanish Dominions, in N. America

Description

Map shows total center America

dated 1821

Artist

Maepherson

Historical Description

Central America includes both the region of Central America and the West Indian Islands. The history of Central America is marked by profound cultural, political, and social changes. From the glorious indigenous civilizations to the dark era of colonization and the challenges of the modern world, Central America remains a region in constant transformation and of great historical significance. In pre-Columbian times, Central America was home to numerous influential cultures. The Maya were one of the most advanced civilizations of the pre-Columbian world and inhabited an area that today includes parts of Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. The Aztecs primarily lived in Central Mexico, and the Olmecs are considered one of the oldest cultures in Mesoamerica.In the 16th century, European colonization of Central America began under Hernán Cortés, who conquered the Aztec Empire in 1521, marking the beginning of Spanish rule in Mesoamerica. In 1524, Pedro de Alvarado began the conquest of the Maya regions in Guatemala and other parts of Central America. When Columbus landed on San Salvador (Bahamas) in 1492 under the Spanish crown, he was primarily searching for gold and other riches. However, the Arawaks placed no value on what Europeans considered wealth. Thus, while the Caribbean was settled, the conquistadors soon turned their attention to the American continent. Gradually, the English, Dutch, and French also settled in the region.By the end of the 16th century, the region was mostly under Spanish control, and the Spanish colonization led to profound changes, particularly through the introduction of Catholicism, the destruction of indigenous cultures, and the reshaping of the social structure. In the early 19th century, the independence struggle in Central America began, influenced by the independence movements in other parts of Latin America.