Spanish colonization refers to the period when Spain established control over large parts of the Americas, beginning in the late 15th century. Following Christopher Columbus's voyage in 1492, Spanish explorers and conquistadors, such as Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizarro, claimed vast territories for Spain. They sought wealth, land, and the spread of Christianity, leading to the establishment of settlements and the exploitation of indigenous populations. The Spanish Empire expanded rapidly, creating colonies in regions that are now Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America. The colonization process often involved the forced labor of native peoples and the introduction of European diseases, which devastated local populations. Spanish rule significantly influenced the culture, language, and social structures of the Americas,