---
title: Map of Spanish Conquest & Exploration in North America
author: Simeon Netchev
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/16218/map-of-spanish-conquest--exploration-in-north-amer/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0)
updated: 2025-07-26
---

# Map of Spanish Conquest & Exploration in North America

_Authored by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/)_

## Image File

[![Map of Spanish Conquest & Exploration in North America](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/16218.png)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/16218.png)

## Image Caption

This map illustrates the expansion of Spanish imperial power following the completion of the [Reconquista](https://www.worldhistory.org/Reconquista/) in 1492 and the voyages of [Christopher Columbus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Christopher_Columbus/) (first voyage 1492). Fueled by promises of land, [gold](https://www.worldhistory.org/gold/), and glory, Spain launched one of the most sweeping colonial enterprises in history, transforming itself into a global [empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/empire/) stretching across the Americas.

Following early conquests in the Caribbean, Spanish expeditions toppled the [Aztec Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/Aztec_Civilization/) (1519–1521) and the [Inca](https://www.worldhistory.org/Inca_Civilization/) Empire (1532–1533), securing vast new dominions. By the mid-1500s, Spain controlled much of Central and western South America, Mexico, and the southern half of what is now the United States—from Florida to the Pacific coast. While many regions remained thinly settled for centuries, Spain claimed and governed through a vast administrative and missionary network that reshaped indigenous societies and laid the foundations for the Spanish-speaking world.

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history educator, passionate about the human stories that shape the past.
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeon-netchev/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Netchev, S. (2022, August 02). Map of Spanish Conquest & Exploration in North America. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/16218/map-of-spanish-conquest--exploration-in-north-amer/>
### Chicago
Netchev, Simeon. "Map of Spanish Conquest & Exploration in North America." *World History Encyclopedia*, August 02, 2022. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/16218/map-of-spanish-conquest--exploration-in-north-amer/>.
### MLA
Netchev, Simeon. "Map of Spanish Conquest & Exploration in North America." *World History Encyclopedia*, 02 Aug 2022, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/16218/map-of-spanish-conquest--exploration-in-north-amer/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/ "User Page: Simeon Netchev"), published on 02 August 2022. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0deed.en). This licence only allows others to download this content and share it with others as long as the author is credited, but they can't change the content in any way or use it commercially. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.