When the Spaniards came to El Salvador, in the 16th century, it was inhabited by a group of people called pipiles (pronounced Peeh-Peeh-Lehs). The pipiles are likely descendants of the Nahuas which are in turn descendants from the aztecs. It is believed they migrated to the region in the 11th century.
Hernan Cortes, in 1523, after conquering Mexico, sent his chief lieutenant Pedro de Alvarado on a mission to conquer Guatemala and El Salvador. Many indians and spaniards were wounded and killed in the first few days. Alvarado was wounded on his left thigh, remaining handicapped for the rest of his life. He abandoned the war and appointed his brother, Gonzalo de Alvarado, to continue the task. In 1525 the conquest was completed and the city of San Salvador was established.
The Spaniards created the "haciendas" (large amounts of land), "encomiendas" (land worked by indians) and "mitas" (mines). The indians would work the land and in the mines under the protection of a Spaniard whose job was also to feed them and to convert them to christianity. More often than not, it turned out the indians would be exploited.
The Spanish rule lasted for about 300 years. By the early 19th century, the obvious inequality between European Spaniards and those born in the new continent, as well as the French and American revolution and Napoleon's invasion of Spain, set an atmosphere for independence. The first attempt, lead by Dr. Jose Matias Delgado (born in San Salvador, 02/24/1767) happened on the 5th of November, 1811. Although it failed, it set the idea in motion. Success was achieved in 1821. The 15th of September of 1821, independence from Spain was proclaimed.