Title: Consequences of the Conquest of the Aztecs
Headings: Consequences of the Conquest of the Aztecs
Consequences of the Conquest of the Aztecs
It Sparked a Wave of Conquests
The Population of the New World was Decimated
It Led to Cultural Genocide
It Brought Forth the Vile Encomienda System
It Made Spain a World Power
Sources
Watch Now: Profile of Hernan Cortes

Content: It Made Spain a World Power
Before 1492, what we call Spain was a collection of feudal Christian Kingdoms which could barely put aside their own squabbling long enough to oust the Moors from Southern Spain. One hundred years later, a united Spain was a European powerhouse. Some of that had to do with a series of efficient rulers, but much was because of the great wealth flowing into Spain from its New World holdings. Although much of the original gold looted from the Aztec Empire was lost to shipwrecks or pirates, rich silver mines were discovered in Mexico and later in Peru. This wealth made Spain a world power and involved them in wars and conquests around the globe. The tons of silver, much of which was made into the famous pieces of eight, would encourage Spain's "Siglo de Oro" or "golden century" which saw great contributions in art, architecture, music, and literature from Spanish artists. Sources
Levy, Buddy. . New York: Bantam, 2008. Silverberg, Robert.