Spanish colonial rule refers to the period when Spain controlled vast territories in the Americas, beginning in the late 15th century after the arrival of Christopher Columbus. This era saw the establishment of colonies, where Spanish settlers imposed their culture, language, and religion, primarily Catholicism, on indigenous populations. During this time, the Spanish crown implemented a system of governance that included viceroyalties, such as the Viceroyalty of New Spain and the Viceroyalty of Peru. The exploitation of resources, including gold and silver, significantly enriched Spain but often led to the suffering and decline of native communities.