Category: History > Conquest
In the early 16th century, the Spanish explorer Hernán Cortés led an expedition that ultimately resulted in the fall of the Aztec Empire. This conquest not only changed the political landscape of Mexico but also had profound effects on European trade. Following the conquest, vast amounts of gold and silver flooded into Spain from the New World, leading to an economic boom. However, this sudden influx of wealth also caused significant inflation in Europe, known as the "Price Revolution." As Spain became the dominant power, its newfound riches shifted trade routes and economic centers, leading to the rise of other European powers such as England and the Netherlands, who sought to capitalize on the lucrative trade with the Americas. This transformation laid the groundwork for the modern global economy and set the stage for centuries of competition and colonization.