Mesoamerica

The Spanish conquest of Mexico began in 1519 and concluded with the siege and capture of the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán in 1521. Spanish conquerors then moved into Central America, subjugating the native peoples there. Huge numbers of Mesoamerican people died in battle and from diseases that the conquerors had introduced into the region. Many of the survivors of the conquest suffered enslavement, forced labor, and cultural disorientation.

European conquest brought about the end of the indigenous Mesoamerican civilizations. Spanish overlords replaced the ruling native elites, Christianity largely replaced native religions, and new foods and animals were introduced. However, many elements of Mesoamerican culture survived and blended with European traditions, giving rise to a new civilization.