1. What types of advantages did the Spaniards have over indigenous groups when they invaded the mainland from their bases in the Caribbean? 2. How did native communities respond to the Europeans? Did all native groups everywhere view the arrival of the Spaniards in the same manner? What prompted many native communities to make alliances with the Spaniards instead of fighting (or continuing to fight)?

3. How did European impressions of native peoples change over time, and how did they remain the same?

4. How does the writing of history reflect power relations? How were these relations contested in this period?