In 1492 Christopher Columbus landed in The Caribbean islands we've all heard That part but what followed over the Next 100 years was Spain's conquests Into Central and South America that led To the defeat near destruction of two Very significant civilizations now Reasons for the conquests were political They were religious and they were Economic the Spanish Empire extracted More than 180 metric tons of gold it's Around 5.8 million troy ounces from the Aztec and Inca Empires that wealth was Transported to Europe making Spain the Leading producer of gold and silver in The world and that influx of wealth had A profound effect on the entire Continent's Commerce their art and their Architecture helping to support Europe's Renaissance and we've all heard the Golden Rule he who has the gold makes The rules That only works if somebody doesn't take It away
