Why Did The Spanish Struggle To Establish An Empire In The Americas
a) In the 16th century, the Spaniards were attempting to establish an empire in the Americas. The Catholic church proved to be the key to their success. The church sent missionaries across South America to spread Catholicism. The natives adopted their religion, leading to assimilation of Spanish culture and acceptance of the Spanish Government. This phenomenon is strongly exemplified by a native group known to the Spanish as the Pueblo Indians. These were groups located in parts of Arizona and New Mexico. Between initial contact in 1539 and Spanish attempts at conquest in 1598 and 1599, the natives were treated brutally by the Spanish. The Spanish conquest of the Pueblos was brutal, and afterwards, converting the Pueblo Indians to Spanish culture