European Contact and the Querandí Resistance
The early 16th century marked the beginning of a tumultuous era of encounter between European explorers and the indigenous peoples of the River Plate region. Driven by the desire for conquest and the search for new maritime routes, Spanish expeditions ventured into the southern reaches of the Americas, facing fierce resistance from the native populations who defended their lands.
Early Explorations of the River Plate
The first recorded Spanish arrival in the region occurred in 1516, when Juan Díaz de Solís landed on the shores of the River Plate (Río de la Plata). However, his ambitions for conquest were short-lived, as the native inhabitants resisted his efforts, leading to the failure of the expedition.
Shortly thereafter, Ferdinand Magellan arrived at the port. Magellan navigated up the River Plate in hopes of finding a passage connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Upon discovering that no such connection existed there, he continued his journey south along the coast of what is now known as Patagonia. During this voyage, he encountered the Tehuelche peoples, whom he referred to as Patagones, before eventually discovering the strait that now bears his name.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The First Foundation of Buenos Aires
In 1535, the Querandí tribe had their first significant encounter with Europeans when the expedition of Pedro de Mendoza arrived in the area of Buenos Aires. Mendoza, who held the title of Adelantado (a governor with powers to conquer and colonize), had been empowered by Holy Roman Emperor Charles V to colonize the lands of the River Plate.
In March 1536, Mendoza established the first foundation of Buenos Aires. While the exact location of this initial settlement remains unknown due to a lack of surviving records, the early relationship between the Spanish and the local Querandí people began with a degree of cooperation. Initially, the Querandí traded food obtained through hunting and fishing for Spanish goods.
Conflict and the Rise of Equestrian Warfare
The fragile peace collapsed when the Querandí abruptly ceased contact, leaving the Spanish settlers facing severe food shortages. In an attempt to subjugate the tribe, Pedro de Mendoza organized a military campaign led by his brother, Diego de Mendoza.
On June 15, 1536, the Spanish forces met the Querandí on the banks of the Luján River. The battle proved disastrous for the Europeans; the Querandí utilized bolas (weighted throwing cords) to neutralize the Spanish cavalry. According to the soldier Ulrich Schmidl, the conflict resulted in the deaths of approximately forty Spaniards and one thousand other people. The remnants of the Spanish force retreated to Buenos Aires under the cover of night.
Following this victory, the Querandí and their allies besieged the city, forcing the Spanish to abandon the settlement. In a pivotal shift, the Querandí seized abandoned livestock and adopted horse-riding. This transition to an equestrian lifestyle enhanced their nomadic mobility, allowing them to coordinate with other native groups and wage more effective war against the Spanish.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Expansion and the Second Foundation
Despite early failures, the Spanish continued their attempts to settle the Pampas, launching expeditions from three primary hubs: Peru, Chile, and Asunción in Paraguay.
| Origin Point | Cities Founded | Years of Foundation |
|---|---|---|
| Peru | Santiago del Estero, Tucumán, Córdoba, Salta, Catamarca, La Rioja, Jujuy | 1553–1593 |
| Chile | Mendoza, San Juan, San Luis | 1561–1594 |
| Asunción (Paraguay) | Santa Fe, Buenos Aires (2nd foundation), Corrientes | 1573–1588 |
The second foundation of Buenos Aires took place on June 11, 1580, led by Juan de Garay. However, the Spanish struggle for control persisted. Mounted native warriors prevented further southern expansion, and Juan de Garay himself was killed in 1583 during a Querandí ambush on the banks of the Carcarañá River, near the site of Sebastian Cabot's Sancti Spiritus Fort.
Key Facts
- First Contact: Juan Díaz de Solís first reached the River Plate in 1516.
- First Settlement: Pedro de Mendoza founded Buenos Aires in March 1536.
- Military Defeat: The Spanish were defeated at the Luján River on June 15, 1536.
- Tactical Shift: The Querandí adopted horse-riding after the Spanish abandonment of the first settlement.
- Second Settlement: Juan de Garay refounded Buenos Aires on June 11, 1580.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the first foundation of Buenos Aires fail?
The first settlement failed due to a combination of food scarcity after the Querandí stopped trading and a decisive military defeat at the Luján River, which left the Spanish vulnerable to raids and siege.
How did the Querandí neutralize the Spanish cavalry?
The Querandí used bolas, which are weighted cords thrown to entangle the legs of horses, effectively neutralizing the Spanish advantage in cavalry.
What impact did horses have on the indigenous populations?
By adopting horse-riding from abandoned Spanish livestock, the Querandí developed a new equestrian lifestyle that improved their mobility as nomads and increased their effectiveness in warfare against the Europeans.
Who was the Adelantado of the first expedition?
Pedro de Mendoza was the Adelantado, a title granted by Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, which gave him the authority to conquer and colonize the River Plate region.
Which cities were founded from the base in Peru?
From Peru, the Spanish founded Santiago del Estero (1553), Tucumán (1565), Córdoba (1573), Salta (1582), Catamarca (1583), La Rioja (1591), and Jujuy (1593).