Why were the spanish so successful at gaining an intercontental empire?

Question

Why were the spanish so successful at gaining an intercontental empire?

Answer 1

Pretty much because they were the first to do so, by the time other European nations realised the 'spoils' to be had the Spanish had established themselves well in the New World.

Interestingly, Spain as a European super-power had started to decline by the time of establishment in the Americas, the resources gained upheld their ability to maintain a hold for some years yet.

Answer 2

Three things.

1. Gunpowder and the weapons to use it.

2. Using smaller tribes as allies to take down the big tribe in charge. For example they freed some of the tribes the Aztecs had subjugated and used them as native auxiliaries.

3. Disease. Give them all smallpox and let Mother Nature do your dirty work!!

Answer 3

When your presence exists in whatever part of the world and you establish resources and plant a stake in the ground declaring its yours, and no one has the power to subdue you, then you have succeeded.  And this is what Spain in Europe, and in the new world did.  They accumulated all this wealth because of a military stronghold and the spanish inquisition.  Plus the empire gained a successful leader:  Isabella who married Ferdinand of Aragon became not only a united kingdom but strengthened ties through business, economics, and wealth.  She felt compelled to spread christianity and with the help of voyagers like Christopher Columbus, her mission was successful to this day.