Curated OER
Spanish Colonies in South America
How did the Spanish govern its South American colonies? This presentation provides a series of questions, images, and an informative outline for learners to ponder. They will review the colonial caste system, the encomienda system, and...
Curated OER
The Age of Early European Explorations & Conquests
Your students' world will literally take shape in this presentation, which chronicles the growing edges of the (flat) earth during European Exploration of New Worlds. Dias, da Gama, Magellean, and Columbus are key players in this game of...
Curated OER
Chapters 14 & 15 – Age of Exploration
In this U.S. history worksheet, students read assigned textbook pages regarding the Age of Exploration and respond to 49 short answer questions.
Country Studies US
Country Studies: Encomiendas
Read this good description of the encomienda system that was set up by the Spanish to reward the Spanish colonizers in the New World and to subjugate the indigenous people by requiring their labor on the granted land.
Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Gilder Lehrman Institute: History Now: Bartolome De Las Casas Debates the Subjugation of the Indians
[Free Registration/Login Required] Read a summary of Bartolome de Las Casas' views about the horrors of Spanish encomienda system and his arguments for proper treatment of Native Americans. Find a link to a translation of his book where...
OpenStax
Open Stax: Colonial Societies 1500 1700: Spanish Exploration & Colonial Society
Examines the establishment of Spanish settlements in America, the differences between them, and the conflicts the Spanish had with other European interests and with the native peoples.
Walled Lake Consolidated Schools
Loon Lake Elementary School: Hernando De Soto
A biography of Hernando De Soto (1500?-1542), a Spanish explorer who led the first European expedition to reach the Mississippi River. His group arrived at the river in 1541 during a search for gold. De Soto also took part in the Spanish...