Spanish Colonialism refers to the period when the Spanish Empire established colonies in the Americas, Asia, and parts of Africa from the late 15th century to the early 19th century. This era began after Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas in 1492, leading to the conquest and colonization of vast territories. The Spanish aimed to expand their influence, spread Christianity, and exploit natural resources, often at the expense of indigenous populations. During this time, the Spanish implemented systems of governance, such as the encomienda, which allowed colonists to extract labor and tribute from native peoples. The cultural impact was significant, resulting in the spread of the Spanish language, Catholicism, and various cultural practices. However, this colonization also led to the decline