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In 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue. His landing in the Caribbean was a significant event in relation to imperialism. He sailed for the Spanish throne, in attempt to grow their empire's sphere of influence.
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Spain was determined to maintain strict control over the Native American empire. To achieve this goal, the king set up the Council of the Indies to pass laws for the colonies and appointed viceroys. The Catholic Church worked with the government to convert Native Americans. Franciscans, Jesuits, and other missionaries baptized thousands of Native Americans. Where they could, the Spanish missionaries forcibly imposed European culture over Native American culture. (Empire/Imperialism)
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The Atlantic slave trade formed one part of a three-legged international trade network, This was a series of Atlantic trade routes linking Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The first leg of ships brought European goods such as guns, clothes, and cash. Africa traded these for slaves. The second leg was the slaves being transported to the Americas and were exchanged for sugar, molasses, and other products. The final leg merchants carried sugar, molasses, cotton and other products to Europe.
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The Spanish scorned the Aztecs' religion and tried to convert the to Christianity and while they were in the city they saw Aztec treasure and decided imprison their leader so could control the Aztecs and their riches. In the confusion that followed with various groups of Spanish, Aztecs, and Native Americans all fighting for control--the Aztecs drove the Spanish from the city. (European conflict & competition)
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To fill the labor shortage, Bartolome de Las Casas urged colonists tom import workers from Africa. As demand for sugar products skyrocketed, the settlers imported millions of African slaves. They were forced to work as field hands, miners, or servants in the houses of wealthy landowners. (Trade/Economic Systems)
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The Incan ruler, Atahualpa, refused to a Spanish vessel or convert to Christianity. In response, the Spaniard, Pizzaro, aided with Indian allies, captured him and slaughtered thousands of Inca. The Inca paid the huge ransom the Spanish demanded but still killed Atahualpa. Pizzaro and his followers overran the Inca heartland. (European conflict & competition)
