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1492-Columbus sets out from newly unified Spain and lands on Bahamas while looking for India. He returns later with 17 ships to explore the new world. Diseases kill 90% of all natives, and Conquistadors are sent to explore the Americas. The Americas and Europe “trade” crops and wildlife for first time.
 * || 35,000 years ago- Asians migrate to America’s West coast through Russia and populate the Americas throughout the years. Corn and agriculture are staples in Native American life.

1520’s-1540’s Conquistadors such as Hernando de Soto, Ponce de Leon, and Coronado map out both of America’s coasts, the Midwest, and the Southwest, as well as much of South and Central America. By 1542, much of Southern America has been explored or conquered.

Spain becomes super rich because of resources (gold) found in the Americas, and becomes superpower in Europe and on the seas. Spanish Armada becomes most feared ships in the world.

1520 Cortez and a few hundred men discover the Aztec capitol of Tenochtitlan. Driven by lust for gold, the Spaniards are kicked out by the Aztecs. The Spaniards, helped by a smallpox epidemic, completely destroy the city. Other opposition to Spanish is annihilated in Central America

Spaniards build missions along the West coast of America as well as Southwest and Central America. Natives are forced to become agriculturists and adopt the Spanish culture. Natives distance themselves from their own cultures as a result.

Spanish culture shaped Central and South America, as well as the South and Western United States. Native Americans adopt their language, religion, and customs. ||