Conquistador
The knights, soldiers and explorers of the Spanish and the Portuguese Empire
Real World Example
Conquistadors were Spanish and Portuguese explorers and soldiers who played a key role during the Global Age, particularly from 1420 to 1750. They explored and conquered vast regions in the Americas, leading to the Spanish and Portuguese empires' expansion. Their actions significantly impacted history by introducing European culture, religion, and technology to the Americas, while also leading to the decline of indigenous populations due to disease and conflict. Today, their legacy can be seen in the widespread use of the Spanish and Portuguese languages in Latin America, which affects everyday communication, culture, and identity. For example, a student studying Spanish in school might be inspired by the rich history of the language, which traces back to the era of the conquistadors and their global explorations.