How did the Spanish conquistadors establish and maintain control over the conquered territories?

The Spanish conquistadors established and maintained control over the conquered territories through a combination of military force, alliances with indigenous groups, and the implementation of a colonial administration system.

Firstly, the conquistadors used their superior military technology and tactics to defeat the indigenous populations and establish their dominance. They had firearms, armor, and horses, which gave them a significant advantage over the indigenous peoples who primarily relied on traditional weapons. The conquistadors' military victories allowed them to assert control over the conquered territories.

Secondly, the Spanish conquistadors formed alliances with certain indigenous groups who were enemies of the dominant powers in the region. By aligning themselves with these groups, the conquistadors were able to gain additional military support and local knowledge, which further strengthened their control over the conquered territories. These alliances also helped the conquistadors to exploit existing rivalries and divisions among the indigenous populations.

Lastly, the Spanish conquistadors established a colonial administration system to maintain control over the conquered territories. They set up a hierarchical structure with Spanish officials at the top, who governed the territories and enforced Spanish laws and policies. The conquistadors also introduced the encomienda system, which granted Spanish settlers control over indigenous labor and resources. This system allowed the conquistadors to exploit the conquered territories economically and maintain their control over the indigenous populations.

Overall, the Spanish conquistadors established and maintained control over the conquered territories through military conquest, alliances with indigenous groups, and the implementation of a colonial administration system. These strategies allowed them to assert their dominance, exploit the resources of the conquered territories, and maintain control over the indigenous populations for an extended period.