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Questions and Answers
What was the primary reason for the construction of churches, schools, and hospitals by the wealthy?
What was the primary reason for the construction of churches, schools, and hospitals by the wealthy?
What is the main idea conveyed about the land acquisition mentioned in the text?
What is the main idea conveyed about the land acquisition mentioned in the text?
How did the actions of the wealthy in times of crisis differ from their general philanthropy?
How did the actions of the wealthy in times of crisis differ from their general philanthropy?
What can be inferred about the relationship between the wealthy and the indigenous population based on the text?
What can be inferred about the relationship between the wealthy and the indigenous population based on the text?
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What is the purpose of highlighting the construction of the church of San Francisco?
What is the purpose of highlighting the construction of the church of San Francisco?
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What was the dominant social activity for those who lived in the New Spain during this time period?
What was the dominant social activity for those who lived in the New Spain during this time period?
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How did the conflict between indigenous and non-indigenous peoples escalate at the end of the 18th century?
How did the conflict between indigenous and non-indigenous peoples escalate at the end of the 18th century?
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What is the significance of the 'imposing residence' built in 1521?
What is the significance of the 'imposing residence' built in 1521?
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What is the significance of the mention of 'knee breeches' in the text?
What is the significance of the mention of 'knee breeches' in the text?
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Which of the following best describes the tone of the excerpt?
Which of the following best describes the tone of the excerpt?
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What was a significant focus in the planning and development of the colony mentioned?
What was a significant focus in the planning and development of the colony mentioned?
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Which aspect of the colony's innovations was specifically aimed at safety?
Which aspect of the colony's innovations was specifically aimed at safety?
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Which group played a key role in the development of the colony's framework?
Which group played a key role in the development of the colony's framework?
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What was the overarching goal of the innovations in the colony?
What was the overarching goal of the innovations in the colony?
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What was one of the methods used to promote order within the colony?
What was one of the methods used to promote order within the colony?
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Study Notes
Society and Stress in the Late Colonial Period
- Wealthy colonials, disproportionately peninsulares and some criollos, accumulated great riches during the late colonial period, often in mining and land.
- Examples include Pedro Romero de Temeros, who became the wealthy Conde de Regla through mining investments, and Bassoco, who amassed significant wealth in land, pulque production, and other enterprises.
- Wealthy individuals frequently made generous gifts to the crown, earning titles of nobility (like conde or marqués).
- Philanthropy was common among the wealthy, evidenced by their donations to religious institutions, charities, and the funding of schools, hospitals, and churches.
- This occurred alongside periods of widespread hardship, including a subsistence crisis in 1785-86, characterized by widespread deaths from starvation and disease.
Distribution of Wealth
- Mining was a major source of great wealth for some, such as the counts of Regla, Valencia, and Bassoco.
- Large land holdings, especially ranches, were also a source of wealth for some families.
- Merchants and businesspeople accumulated considerable fortunes.
- Although some wealthy colonials were generous, a large disparity existed between the very rich and the majority of the population.
Social unrest
- Wars in Europe (and elsewhere), such as the English colonists' successful revolts, the French revolution, and Haitian slave uprising, increased interest and awareness of similar possibilities in the New World.
- Economic issues were a considerable cause of concern and stress, including inflation, stagnating wages, and food shortages.
Colonial Society
- Wealthy colonials were less attuned to the various stresses of their time.
- Colonial society was highly heterogeneous, with significant differences in terms of race, ethnicity, class, and occupation based on rigid hierarchies.
- Indigenous and casta populations also faced hardships and lacked many of the privileges of the wealthy.
- The growing disparity between rich and poor created tensions.
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Description
This quiz explores the dynamics of wealth distribution and social stress during the late colonial period. It highlights the affluent classes, their philanthropic efforts, and the stark contrast with the widespread hardships experienced by the lower classes. Delve into the impact of mining and land ownership on societal structures and individual fates.
