The Catholic Majesties had entrusted Rodríguez de…

The Catholic Majesties had entrusted Rodríguez de Fonseca with building a colonial administration from as early as Columbus’ second voyage in 1493, which he had organized.

From that date he has gained increasing influence over Castilian colonial policy and emerged as the kingdom’s de facto Minister of Colonial Affairs.

Rodríguez de Fonseca had clashed early with Columbus who, he believed, was asserting too much independence from royal authority, and in 1499 Queen Isabella, influenced by him, had removed Columbus as governor of the newly found lands overseas.

Rodríguez de Fonseca then began to plan and organize a series of voyages, under such captains as Alonso de Ojeda, Vicente Yáñez Pinzón, Diego de Lepe, and Rodrigo de Bastidas, which steadily expands new discoveries and increased understanding of the islands and mainland of what quickly became known as a New World.

In 1503 Rodríguez de Fonseca organizes and supervises an important new institution called the Board of Trade, which assumes major responsibilities over the management of the new overseas settlements.

He also takes the leading role in the evolving Council of the Indies, which in time will become the most influential royal institution governing the new settlements.