After studying chapter two of the Great Encyclopedia of Chile, it is very important to be able to handle the key points of this period, which consists of the period between the expansion of Europe and the discovery and conquest of America.
European expansion and great discoveries
-Great geographic discoveries were made between the XV and XVI centuries.
– With the authorization and financing of the Catholic Monarchs, admiral Columbus began a journey towards new lands.
– The crown of Castile financed the expedition of sailor Ferdinand Magellan for him to look for the Maluku Islands. On his journey he encountered the straight that joins the Atlantic and the Pacific.
Conquest of America
– Spaniard Hernan Cortes arrived to Mexico to begin the conquest of the Aztec empire (1519).
– After taking over Mexico, the Spanish advanced towards the south of America and reached the Inca empire (1531). Francisco Pizarro was the one that conquered those lands.
– Diego de Almagro discovered Chile (1536), but upon finding no riches, he decided to return to Peru.
Conquest of Chile
– Pedro de Valdivia arrived to Chile in 1540 and began his conquest.
– At the battle of Tucapel (1553), Lautaro defeated the Spanish and killed Pedro de Valdivia.
– During an expedition to Santiago, the Spanish surprised the mapuches and killed Lautaro (1557).
