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The Spanish’s impact in the Americas during the 15th and 16th centuries decimated indigenous populations in order to make way for a civilization based on European ideals. The quest for wealth, evangelism, and labor sources allowed the Spanish to manipulate native society in order cater to their own needs, such as establishing encomiendas to force local peoples to labor for gold (Egerton, 84). 84). Explorers such as Christopher Columbus and Hernán Cortés viewed their actions as part of a divine mission, attempting to civilize unfamiliar people and construct a European society that caused more harm than good. No single factor can be attributed to the elimination of indigenous people in the Americas, as numerous actions led to their demise. Animals imported from Spain destroyed essential resources for Native Americans, limiting food and natural sources that were necessary for survival (Egerton, 92). Wars between Spaniards, Aztec, and Maya led to the downfall of indigenous communities (Egerton, 99). Disease epidemics wiped out whole populations, causing many ethnic groups to become extinct (Egerton, 92). Once native structures were toppled, the Spanish viewed it as an opportunity to impose their ideals and beliefs on remaining survivors. Catholicism took the place of Mexica religion, a foreign hierarchy was established, and evangelism was declared necessary for native people in order to assimilate in a growing European society (Egerton, 106). With their conquest of the Americas, the Spanish demonstrated their power over indigenous communities. The invasion, exploitation, and elimination of native populations led European nations to construct a society that was built on the deaths of many people. Despite the thriving civilizations of indigenous people in the past, the overwhelming presence of the Spanish crushed once powerful regimes.