The Spanish conquest of the new world

Covering the period from 1500 to 1550, this film surveys the explorations of Cortez, Pizarro, Balboa, De Soto and others, in California and South America. Stresses the contributions made by the Spanish to the western hemisphere - the use of horses and firearms to help subdue native Indians, the establishment of the Christian religion, the introduction of Spanish architecture in palaces, missions and cathedrals.