1534-1550 : expansion in South America

Here is that story!
------------------------
Map 14

PREV - FIRST - NEXT

-----------------------

This period sees a strong European expansion on the continent.
The Spaniards conquered the Inca Empire, discovered the fabulous mines of Potosi and settled on the Rio Paraguay.

The Portuguese also invest massively in Pernambuco, almost as much as the Bretons 30 years before. Thus they send around 500 settlers per year, ie 10,000 from 1530 to 1550. This considerable effort worries the Bretons.
In 1550 Pernambuco had 21,300 inhabitants. including 14,300 whites and mestizos. The slavery of the Indians is harder than among the Bretons.

The Bretons can only bring in 200 settlers per year, i.e. 4600 from 1527 to 1550. However, mortality is reduced for them because they have better control of the environment.

New colonies are founded.
 
Morlaix du Sud is in fact entrusted to Norman merchants under a false Breton flag. There are 2000 inhabitants in 1550. It is a trading post.

St Yves is founded around João Ramalho (1493-1582), a shipwrecked Portuguese who has lived among the Indians since 1515. He is ennobled by Prince François. There are 1900 inhabitants in 1550. It is also a trading post that mainly sells slaves.

Sainte Marianne is the capital of New Léon which must become an important colony in the event of the loss of Port Conan. Significant efforts have been made and it has 10,500 inhabitants. in 1550.

Concarneau was founded to strengthen the heart of the colony which remains the most populated area with 72,600 inhabitants. and with its capital, Port Conan (6200 inhab.).

In total, in 1550, New Britain had 87,000 inhabitants. including 34,000 whites, 24,000 mestizos and 29,000 Indians (mostly serfs).