Podcast
Questions and Answers
What created a complex mix of social classes and people in Latin America?
What created a complex mix of social classes and people in Latin America?
The political and economic expansion of Spain and Portugal
Social classes in colonial Latin America were based on what?
Social classes in colonial Latin America were based on what?
Status
____________, Spanish and Portuguese officials born in Europe, were the highest social class and maintained power in colonial Latin America.
____________, Spanish and Portuguese officials born in Europe, were the highest social class and maintained power in colonial Latin America.
Peninsulares
____________ were Europeans born in Latin America and their descendants.
____________ were Europeans born in Latin America and their descendants.
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Many social groups, such as the ____________ and _____________, emerged as a result of the intermarriage between Europeans and Native Americans or Africans.
Many social groups, such as the ____________ and _____________, emerged as a result of the intermarriage between Europeans and Native Americans or Africans.
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The Portuguese and Spanish increased their wealth by removing natural resources like ______________ and ______________ from Latin American land.
The Portuguese and Spanish increased their wealth by removing natural resources like ______________ and ______________ from Latin American land.
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Through the _______________ system, Spanish landowners forced Native Americans to pay taxes and provide ______________.
Through the _______________ system, Spanish landowners forced Native Americans to pay taxes and provide ______________.
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In Peru, through a system known as the ______________, authorities could ______________ native peoples to work in silver mines.
In Peru, through a system known as the ______________, authorities could ______________ native peoples to work in silver mines.
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How did Portuguese and Spanish rulers exert authority over their colonies?
How did Portuguese and Spanish rulers exert authority over their colonies?
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Portuguese and Spanish monarchies appointed governor-generals, or ______________, to help govern their colonies in Latin America.
Portuguese and Spanish monarchies appointed governor-generals, or ______________, to help govern their colonies in Latin America.
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Determined to _______________ the native peoples, Catholic _______________ throughout the Spanish Empire brought Native Americans together into missionaries.
Determined to _______________ the native peoples, Catholic _______________ throughout the Spanish Empire brought Native Americans together into missionaries.
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With the establishment of convents, women had an outlet other than marriage; they could become ______________.
With the establishment of convents, women had an outlet other than marriage; they could become ______________.
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Study Notes
Social Structure in Colonial Latin America
- The political and economic expansion of Spain and Portugal led to a diverse mix of social classes and ethnic groups in Latin America.
- Social stratification was based on the status of individuals, impacting their roles and privileges within society.
Key Social Classes
- Peninsulares: Spanish and Portuguese officials born in Europe; held the highest social status and wielded significant power in colonial governance.
- Creoles: Individuals of European descent born in Latin America; they were often wealthy but lacked political power compared to peninsulares.
- Mestizos and Mulattoes: New social groups formed through intermarriage between Europeans and Native Americans or Africans, representing a blend of cultures and ethnicities.
Economic Exploitation
- The Portuguese and Spanish profited by extracting natural resources, notably gold and silver, from Latin America, significantly boosting their wealth.
- The encomienda system obligated Native Americans to pay taxes and forced them to provide labor for Spanish landowners, highlighting the exploitative nature of colonial economics.
- In Peru, the mita system allowed authorities to draft indigenous peoples to work in silver mines, further emphasizing labor exploitation.
Governance and Authority
- Colonial rule was enforced through a bureaucratic system led by appointed officials, including viceroys who acted as governor-generals for Portuguese and Spanish monarchies.
- The Catholic Church played a crucial role in asserting control over Native populations, with missionaries seeking to convert indigenous peoples and create cohesive communities.
Roles of Women
- The establishment of convents provided women with alternatives beyond marriage, allowing them to become nuns and engage in religious life, thus expanding their roles in society.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the intricate social structure of colonial Latin America through flashcards. Understand key terms such as status and peninsulares, and explore the impact of Spanish and Portuguese expansion on society and economy. Perfect for students studying history and social sciences.
