USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Conquistadors (/kɒnˈk(w)ɪstədɔːrz/, US also /-ˈkiːs-, kɒŋˈ-/) or conquistadores (Spanish : [koŋkistaˈðoɾes], Portuguese: [kõkistɐˈdoɾis, kõkiʃtɐˈðoɾɨʃ]; meaning ‘conquerors’) were the explorer-soldiers of the Spanish and Portuguese Empires of the 15th and 16th centuries.

Detailed explanation-2: -In Spanish, the word “conquistador” translates to “conqueror”, a fitting title for the Spanish (and also Portuguese) explorers who attempted to explore and conquer much of the Caribbean, Central, and South America. The conquistadors’ mission was to conquer these lands in the name of their home countries.

Detailed explanation-3: -Juan Ponce de León was the first Spanish explorer to set foot in the southeastern United States. He was born ca. 1460 into a noble family. He spent some time in the royal court of Spain before entering the military and gaining experience fighting against the Moors in Grenada.

Detailed explanation-4: -Spanish soldiers were called, Soldados de Cuera, (leather soldiers), because of their armor. The cuera was a heavy sleeveless coat made of several layers of leather.

Detailed explanation-5: -The Spanish conquistadors were essentially sanctioned pirates. Their goal was to claim land and resources for their investors and conquer natives of other lands for treasure and glory. They also were vital in the spread and enforcement of religion.