Social Structures in Colonial Americas

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Questions and Answers

What was one of the main reasons for the drastic changes in social structures in the Americas during this period?

Emergence of new technological systems

Formation of new democratic institutions

Increased migration of Indigenous tribes

European settlement (correct)

Which group is classified as the highest in the Casta System of Latin America?

Mulattoes

Criollos

Mestizos

Peninsulares (correct)

What impact did the spread of technology have during the period from 1450 to 1750?

Facilitated connections between East and West (correct)

Reduced the necessity for trade

Inhibited cultural exchanges

Diminished European maritime capabilities

What system became a basis for social standing based on heritage and skin color in the Americas?

The Casta System Signup and view all the answers

What was one unethical practice used by European states to obtain wealth in the New World?

Coercive labor systems Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of Viceroys in the Spanish colonial administration?

To act as administrators and representatives of the Spanish crown. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant effect of slow transportation and communication networks on Spanish colonial control?

It made direct control over colonies difficult for the Spanish crown. Signup and view all the answers

What was the consequence of the actions of Spanish conquerors towards Indigenous culture?

Conquerors destroyed many native books and cultural artifacts. Signup and view all the answers

Which work did Bernardino de Sahagun compile that is a key source on Aztec life before the conquest?

The Florentine Codex Signup and view all the answers

What led to the emergence of syncretic belief systems in the Americas?

The mixture of African, Christian, and Indigenous beliefs due to global connections. Signup and view all the answers

What is Santeria commonly associated with?

The fusion of African traditions with Christianity. Signup and view all the answers

By 1750, which group enjoyed political dominance in New Spain?

Creoles born in America of Spanish descent Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the impact of religious conflicts in the post-colonial Americas?

They contrasted with areas that developed syncretic practices. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason behind Yemelyan Pugachev's rebellion against Catherine the Great?

Desire to end the power of the nobles over serfs Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of Pugachev's rebellion for the peasantry in Russia?

Increased oppression from Catherine the Great Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main consequences of serfdom in Russia?

Control of the peasantry by the nobility and government. Signup and view all the answers

How did the expansion of Russia to the west and east affect serfdom?

The institution of serfdom was further entrenched and expanded. Signup and view all the answers

Which empire was primarily involved in the Maroon Wars?

The British Empire Signup and view all the answers

What role did Cossacks play in relation to the Russian government?

They sometimes opposed the autocratic government while also serving as mercenaries. Signup and view all the answers

What major cultural influence did the Mughals spread during their rule in South Asia?

Persian art and culture Signup and view all the answers

What significant law regarding serfs was enacted in Russia in 1649?

Serfs were bound to the land they were born on. Signup and view all the answers

What led to the end of Mughal control in India?

The Maratha Empire's establishment Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the conditions of serfs in Western Europe by the 14th century compared to those in Russia?

Conditions for serfs in Western Europe improved, while they did not in Russia. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Pueblo Revolt impact Spanish colonization efforts?

It temporarily drove Spanish colonizers out of the area Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the wars during the 14th and 15th centuries have on the Russian government?

They weakened the central government and empowered the nobility. Signup and view all the answers

What significant action did Queen Nanny take in Jamaica?

She united the Maroons for resistance against slavery Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the Gloucester County Rebellion in Virginia?

It involved a conspiracy between enslaved Africans and white indentured servants Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary cause of the increased prevalence of serfs in Russia?

Peasants losing their land due to debt. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the situation of townspeople in relation to serfs?

They were similarly controlled and restricted in their movements. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the policies imposed by the Qing dynasty on Han civilians?

Han civilians were required to wear queues. Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the Manchu rulers compared to the Mongol leaders in terms of rule over Han Chinese?

The Manchu aimed for cultural dominance over the Han. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of the Han Chinese defector Liu Liangzuo's actions?

He killed between 74,000 and 100,000 people. Signup and view all the answers

Which traditional Chinese practice was maintained by the Qing dynasty?

The civil service exam. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Qing dynasty's approach to governance change the role of Han Chinese in society?

Han Chinese were subordinate and not in top positions. Signup and view all the answers

What was the attitude towards the nobility in both the Netherlands and England?

They experienced heavy criticism and conflict with royalty. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor was a hallmark of nobility in Europe during the described time?

Inheritance of power, wealth, and land. Signup and view all the answers

What was one consequence of the Manchu's governance that reflected on Confucian values?

It challenged traditional Confucian values. Signup and view all the answers

What was a major outcome of the Columbian Exchange?

Exchange of biological entities such as crops and livestock Signup and view all the answers

Which economic system emerged from European trade practices during this period?

Mercantilism Signup and view all the answers

Which item became a significant commodity traded from the Americas to China?

Silver Signup and view all the answers

What was a negative effect of the new global economy?

Inflation from the gold/silver trade Signup and view all the answers

Which countries were primarily involved in establishing trading posts in India and Africa?

Portugal, England, and the Dutch Signup and view all the answers

What demographic shift occurred due to the demand for labor in the Americas?

Exponential increase in the selling of male African slaves Signup and view all the answers

What was one effect of the Atlantic System for Africa?

Rise of forced migration Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the shift from mercantilism to capitalism during this period?

Formation of chartered companies Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Economic Strategies

17th-century Europeans measured wealth in gold and silver held in coffers.
Strategies were used to maximize sales and profits and minimize spending of precious metals.
Western European capital increased as entrepreneurs became more successful and laborers became consumers.
Interest-bearing lending became common.
Wealth increased with gold and silver production in the Western Hemisphere.

Commercial Revolution

Affected all regions due to overseas colonies, new trade routes, and population growth.
The increased circulation of mined gold and silver caused inflation (price revolution).
Joint-stock companies (e.g., Dutch East India Company) were formed, expanding the global economy.
Limited liability made investing safer, allowing European middle class to invest in maritime empires.
Spanish governments invested heavily in maritime empires to develop and colonize new lands.

Commerce and Finance

The Dutch were key intermediaries for trade routes to Latin America, North America, South Africa, and Indonesia.
Faster, lighter ships gave the Dutch a trade advantage.
The Bank of Amsterdam facilitated international trade.

Triangle Trade

Enslaved Africans were part of the Atlantic trade system due to European demand.
Ships carried European goods (firearms) to Africa, enslaved people to the Americas, and American goods (sugar, tobacco) to Europe.
Sugar and rum were major commodities from the Americas.

Rivalries for the Indian Ocean Trade

European powers competed for control of the Indian Ocean trade routes.
Conflicts, including naval battles (e.g., 1509 Arabian Sea), arose over trade control.
The Moroccan forces and other armies used firearms to gain an advantage.
The Spanish and Portuguese gained control of territory in the region.

Effects of the Atlantic Slave Trade

African kingdoms weakened by the loss of people and trade with Europe.
Increased violence and rivalry amongst African societies for trade with Europe.
Dahomey and Oyo became wealthy by selling enslaved people to Europeans.
Raiders acquired guns for use in warfare because of the trade.

Slavery and Gender

Gender imbalances arose in regions with substantial enslavement due to more men being enslaved.
Polygamy increased to adjust for the imbalance.

Impact of New Food

Introduction of new crops (e.g., maize, peanuts, manioc) from the Americas led to population growth in other regions.

Political and Cultural Changes for Indigenous Peoples

European empires tried to suppress indigenous cultural traditions.
Wars, diseases, and other forms of conflict decreased indigenous American populations significantly.

Political Changes

Spanish and Portuguese colonial administrations replaced indigenous political structures.
Spanish royalty appointed Viceroys to manage colonies, but communication and transportation difficulties hindered effective control.
Creole populations grew and sought political autonomy.

Syncretic Belief Systems in the Americas

Blended religious traditions, such as those of African religions, Christianity (Islam too)
Examples of syncretic religions include Santería, Vodun, and Candomblé.

Resistance to Portugal in Africa

Ana Nzinga led resistance against Portuguese colonial rule in the Ndongo area.
Nzinga formed alliances with the Dutch to fight Portuguese colonizers.

Local Resistance in Russia

Internal pressures challenged the Russian state (e.g., peasant rebellions).
Conditions for serfs were harsh, triggering revolts
The Cossacks, a group of warrior-peasants, resisted Russian authorities in the south and east portions of the country.

Rebellions in South Asia

The Mughal Empire (16th-17th centuries) combined centralized government with Persian art and culture.
The Maratha empire rose, and Mughal rule ended by 1818.

Struggles for Power in England and its Colonies

Maroon Wars (1728-1740 and 1795-1796: enslaved people in the Caribbean and former Spanish territories fought for freedom.
Queen Nanny led a maroon resistance in Jamaica.
The Gloucester County rebellion (1663) was a notable enslaved revolt in Virginia.

Jews were expelled from England, France, and Spain, but eventually found refuge elsewhere.
The Ottoman Empire provided a refuge to Jews migrating from Europe.
The Huguenots faced persecution in Europe and sought refuge elsewhere.
Nobles wielded great power and wealth, criticized by the middle class.
Russian social hierarchy included the Boyars, nobles.
Growing acceptance of Jews throughout Europe with notable resettlement/migration patterns.

Continuity and Change from 1450-1750

Technological advancements facilitated global trade and contact.
New social systems and religions developed in the Americas due to the mixing of Europeans, Africans, and indigenous populations
The spread of syncretic religions contributed to new social systems in the Americas.
Unethical practices among European states in the Americas included coerced labor systems amongst indigenous and African populations.

Economic Changes

European powers dominated maritime trade, particularly England, Portugal, and the Netherlands.
Mercantilism (increasing national wealth through trade) and capitalism were dominant economic systems.
Colonial expansion provided trade opportunities and wealth.
Silver from the Americas significantly impacted global economies, particularly in China.

The Hacienda, Mit'a, & Encomienda Systems

Social systems developed in the Americas amid European, African, and indigenous populations.
Europeans held most of the economic and political power.
Mixed-race subcultures emerged.

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Description

This quiz explores the drastic changes in social structures in the Americas during the colonial period, focusing on the Casta System and the impacts of technology from 1450 to 1750. Questions will also cover unethical practices employed by European states for wealth acquisition in the New World.