Read about the development of the Aztec Empire and its status just before the Spanish Conquest. Click on the hyperlinks or pictures for more information. From part of an extensive PBS website about the Conquistadors.

A look at the Inca Empire as rumors began to fly about pale strangers arriving on the coast. Read about the illnesses and civil wars that weakened the empire just in time for the appearance of the conquistadors. Be sure to click on the...

Texas was home to a "clash of three European empires" long before it became part of the United States. How did the Spanish claim Texas, and how was Spain outed by the Mexicans? Read about it all in this article, and check out related...

Find a collection of resources assembled by the producers of a PBS documentary about the Spanish-American War that supports classroom instruction on various aspects of the war. Includes interviews with historians; a transcript of the...

As part of a larger site about the Spanish-American War, this article talks about the advent of "yellow journalism" and its role in pushing the war on the American public.

Kids learn about the Spanish Conquest of the Aztec Empire including Hernan Cortes and Montezuma II on this site.

[Free Registration/Login Required] A lengthy essay about American focus on foreign affairs after the Civil War, expanding particularly in the late 19th century. Read about U.S. exploits in the Caribbean, Latin America, and the Pacific...

Take a tour with Sir Dig-a-Lot as he explains some of the history of the Inca Empire.

With the purchase of Alaska in 1867, the United States embarked on the road of building an empire. From Alaska to the Spanish-American War to the Philippine Islands, the U.S. grew as an imperial nation throughout the latter half of the...

Fordham University provides an excerpt of an Aztec account of the initial encounter of Montezuma and the Spanish conquistador Hernando Cortes, as published by noted anthropologist Miguel Leon-Portilla. The meeting-turned-massacre,...

Read about Spanish influence in the northern part of its empire in America. See what American cowboys borrowed from the vaqueros, and how Spanish architecture came to spread across the Southwest.

Kids learn about the Timeline of the history of the Inca Empire including the rise of the Inca and the Spanish conquest.

This site has an explanation in Spanish and English with a few comprehension questions about Cuzco. Great reading selection for beginning and intermediate Spanish students.

Part of a larger site, the primary sources here deal with the competition among the European countries in establishing a foothold in the New World.

Furnished is a brief summary of the life and explorations of Spanish explorer, Hernando Cortes. Take a look at the photos and maps of his journey of what today is called Mexico.

This site provides information on the joining of the Spanish kingdoms of Castile and Aragon under Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand. It includes a map of the Spanish empire and several other graphics.

Under Moctezuma, the Aztec empire was strong and expanded its borders. However, when the Spanish arrived, their superior power and weapons enabled them to conquer the Aztecs. Read about Moctezuma's life, his interactions with the Spanish...

A huge website that provides a virtual field trip exploring the Spanish adventurers who quested for gold and land in the New World. The site has information on Pizarro, Orellana, Cabeza de Vaca, Cortes as well as extensive information...

Given short summaries about the reasons for European exploration and colonization of North America, students will compare English and Spanish settlements in the New World.

Information about the way the Spanish conquistadors were able to conquer the indigenous people they met.

A political cartoon depicting a Union and a Confederate veteran united in support for the Spanish-American War. A painting entitled Twelve-Inch Gun depicting elegant officers and ladies aboard a battle ship, civilizing gentility and the...

On this website from the Texas State Library you can read about an early attempt by Americans, led by James Long, to establish a "Republic of Texas." Click on the document to see an enlargement of the list of men captured by the Mexican...

A biography of Francisco Pizarro which highlights his conquering of Peru and discovery of the Incan empire.

Paintings that celebrated St. Joseph as a youthful, caring father skyrocketed to popularity during the 16th and 17th centuries, both in Spain and throughout the Spanish Empire. This particular painting of the lively, vigorous St. Joseph...