After Christopher Columbus 's arrival in the West Indies in 1492, the Spanish, usually led by hidalgos from the west and south of Spain, began building a colonial empire in the Caribbean using colonies …

6 days ago · conquistador, any of the leaders in the Spanish conquest of America, especially of Mexico and Peru, in the 16th century. An expedition against Aztec Mexico was led by Hernán Cortés, who …

Aug 30, 2022 · In the English language, the term 'conquistador' tends to be applied most frequently to Spanish military adventurers in the Americas, but it may also be applied to Portuguese adventurers …

Jun 28, 2023 · Armed with the an adelantado, a title bestowed upon the conquistador by the Spanish monarch, conquistadors were instrumental in the conquest and colonization of vast regions in …

Oct 22, 2020 · The very name conquistador literally means ‘conqueror’. Knights, soldiers, missionaries and explorers sailed across the world, opening up new trade routes, establishing Spanish colonies …

Dec 5, 2016 · The meaning of CONQUISTADOR is one that conquers; specifically : a leader in the Spanish conquest of America and especially of Mexico and Peru in the 16th century.

Sep 8, 2025 · What is a conquistador? In College Board AP U.S. History, a conquistador was a Spanish soldier-explorer who played a key role in the conquest of the Americas during the 15th and 16th …