EUROPEANS EXPLORE AND COLONIZE THE AMERICAS

Spain's Legacy to America:

For about 300 years a large part of western Hemisphere was governed by Spain. During this time Spain helped shape the course of American civilization in the following ways:

1. Religion: The Spaniards introduced Christianity into the New World. They converted thousands of Indians to Roman Catholicism. They built churches in every city and village in Spanish America, including the magnificent cathedrals in Lima and Mexico City. The cathedral in Mexico City begun in 1573 is still the largest church structure in the Americas.

2. Language: Spanish is the official language in nearly all of the countries of Latin America. In the United States, Spanish is widely spoken in Florida, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California, as well as in many large, northern cities such as New York.

3. Foods and Animals: The Spaniards brought over the following fruits, plants, and animals unknown in the New World: orange, lemons, olives, wheat, rice, horses, donkeys, pigs, and sheep.

4. Education: The first universities in the Western Hemisphere were founded in the 1550's at Lima and Mexico City the first printing press in the Americas.

5. Architecture: Many private dwelling in Florida, California, and Southwest reflect the Spanish influence to this day.

PrécédentPrécédentFin
AccueilAccueilImprimerImprimerRéalisé avec Scenari (nouvelle fenêtre)