(1) took over territory, (2) settled towns, (3) set up governments
What sequence of steps did the Spanish follow to establish colonies in the Americas?
The Spanish followed the sequence of steps to establish colonies in the Americas:
1) Took over territory: The Spanish first explored the Americas and claimed territories in present-day Mexico, Central America, parts of South America, and the Caribbean. They encountered indigenous peoples and often clashed with them, eventually subjugating and taking control of their lands.
2) Settled towns: Once control over territories was established, the Spanish began to establish towns and settlements. They built cities such as Mexico City (formerly Tenochtitlán), Lima, and Santo Domingo, among others. These settlements served as bases for further colonization efforts and as centers for administration and trade.
3) Set up governments: As the colonies grew, the Spanish set up governments to maintain control and manage the newly acquired territories. They established a hierarchical system of government, with the appointment of Spanish officials to hold key positions of power. These officials governed the colonies under the supervision of the Spanish crown and implemented policies aimed at maximizing Spanish control and extracting resources from the colonies. The Spanish also imposed their legal and social systems on the indigenous populations, often disregarding their existing customs and traditions.
Overall, the sequence of steps followed by the Spanish to establish colonies in the Americas involved taking over territory, settling towns, and setting up governments to solidify their control and exploit the resources of the newly acquired lands.