Elliott identifies and explains both the similarities and differences in the two empires’ processes of colonization, the character of their colonial societies, their distinctive styles of imperial government, and the independence movements mounted against them. Based on wide reading in the history of the two great Atlantic civilizations, the book sets the Spanish and British colonial empires in the context of their own times and offers us insights into aspects of this dual history that still influence the Americas.
Click for the original review.
Background Information
Christopher Columbus failed to find India, but discovered the western hemisphere and introduced the peoples of both west and east to products, religions, forms of government and unfortunately disease. The Spanish were the first ti discover the New World and were given exclusive rights by the Pope to explore and colonize most of its land area.