Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was the general administrative philosophy of Viceroy Velasco?
What was the general administrative philosophy of Viceroy Velasco?
- Act decisively and swiftly in all matters.
- Maintain the status quo and avoid sweeping changes. (correct)
- Prioritize the expansion of colonial territories.
- Implement reforms rapidly to modernize the colony.
What was a significant factor that granted viceroys a degree of autonomy in decision-making?
What was a significant factor that granted viceroys a degree of autonomy in decision-making?
- The time lag in communication between the colonies and Spain. (correct)
- The direct, constant communication between Spain and the colonies.
- The strict enforcement of every royal order without exception.
- The consistent support of local elites.
What phrase did viceroys use when they felt a crown order was counter to the best interests of the colony?
What phrase did viceroys use when they felt a crown order was counter to the best interests of the colony?
- ‘Cumplase pero no se ejecute’ (correct)
- ‘Adelante sin demora’
- ‘Consultar con la Corona’
- ‘Obedecer sin cuestionar’
What aspect did the Spanish Crown prioritize more than competence in its colonial administrators?
What aspect did the Spanish Crown prioritize more than competence in its colonial administrators?
Why did the Spanish Crown relinquish some control to local elites?
Why did the Spanish Crown relinquish some control to local elites?
What was the primary role of the viceroy within the colonial administration?
What was the primary role of the viceroy within the colonial administration?
What was the main focus of a royal inspector (visitador) during their investigation?
What was the main focus of a royal inspector (visitador) during their investigation?
How did the crown ensure the viceroy and other officials were held accountable?
How did the crown ensure the viceroy and other officials were held accountable?
What was the distinguishing feature of a 'visita' conducted under incognito conditions?
What was the distinguishing feature of a 'visita' conducted under incognito conditions?
What was the purpose of a 'residencia' at the conclusion of an official's term?
What was the purpose of a 'residencia' at the conclusion of an official's term?
What was a common issue within the Spanish colonial administration in the early years?
What was a common issue within the Spanish colonial administration in the early years?
What was a key factor that contributed to the corruption within the Spanish colonial administration?
What was a key factor that contributed to the corruption within the Spanish colonial administration?
What was the primary demographic that occupied the position of viceroy in New Spain?
What was the primary demographic that occupied the position of viceroy in New Spain?
What approach did the Spanish Crown initially take toward the misdeeds of the early colonists?
What approach did the Spanish Crown initially take toward the misdeeds of the early colonists?
Which of the following best describes the role of the Viceroy Mendoza and Luis De Velasco, in the early Spanish colony?
Which of the following best describes the role of the Viceroy Mendoza and Luis De Velasco, in the early Spanish colony?
Flashcards
Less is more
Less is more
The philosophy of the Spanish administration in the 16th century that favored a hands-off approach, allowing viceroys considerable autonomy.
Snail Mail
Snail Mail
The process of communication between Spain and its American colonies was incredibly slow, with ships sailing only once a year and officials often waiting months for guidance.
On-the-Spot Decisions
On-the-Spot Decisions
High officials in the colonies often had to make important decisions on their own, without waiting for royal approval, due to the slow communication with Spain.
Loyalty over Expertise
Loyalty over Expertise
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Checks and Balances
Checks and Balances
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Visitador
Visitador
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Juicio de residencia
Juicio de residencia
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Viceroy
Viceroy
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Secret Inspectors
Secret Inspectors
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System of Complaints and Reviews
System of Complaints and Reviews
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Sale of Public Office
Sale of Public Office
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Winking at Misdeeds
Winking at Misdeeds
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Informal System of Elites
Informal System of Elites
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Hands-Off Approach
Hands-Off Approach
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Study Notes
The Imperial System Entrenched
- Viceroy Mendoza's administration philosophy was "do little and do it slowly"
- Early viceroys had considerable autonomy due to communication difficulties and delays in receiving royal instructions
- Colonial officials often made rulings pending royal approval, leading to a delay in government processes
- The Hapsburg policy prioritized loyalty over competence, leading to relinquishing control to local elites to maintain peace
- Government was inefficient due to a complex bureaucracy and detailed reports
- Crown officials were exposed to a variety of opinions from various parties regarding colonial administration
- Royal inspectors (visitadores) were sent for on-the-spot investigations
- Visitadores had considerable authority and took over the colony for the duration of their inspection
- Visitadores were usually men trained in law, tasked with correcting abuses and instituting reforms
- Residencia, judicial reviews, were held at the end of an official's term, to judge their performance
- Visitadores and residencias were supposed to create good governance but rarely punished officials for corruption
- Officials were forbidden from encomiendas and commercial activities, preventing conflicts of interest
- Crown satisfaction focused on maintaining peace and receiving remittances, leading to rampant corruption
- Public offices were sold, leading to further corruption
- Viceroys were usually high-born Spaniards
- Early viceroys like Mendoza and Luis de Velasco were competent administrators
- Later viceroys suffered from palace intrigues and corruption
- Corregidores, alcaldes mayores or gobernadores administered smaller districts, often with limited training and poor pay, supplementing their salaries by cheating lower-class groups
Disturbances During the "Colonial Siesta"
- Spanish imperial system was established by the middle of the 16th century, but challenges to Spanish hegemony came from both inside and outside New Spain
- Internal challenges were present at all societal levels
- Elite plotted rebellion when their interests were threatened (e.g., in the 1560s)
- Internal conflicts frequently erupted between different groups
- Urban riots were commonly triggered by food shortages and price issues
- Natural calamities like earthquakes and floods impacted the region
- Public protests and violence were prevalent aspects of colonial administration
- Indigenous groups resisted Spanish expansion, using established hierarchies and traditions to defend themselves
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