Spanish Colonial Social Hierarchy Quiz

Spanish Colonial Social Hierarchy

• The Spanish colonial social hierarchy was structured around a rigid caste system, with people classified based on race and ancestry, which influenced their rights, privileges, and tax obligations.
• Peninsulares were Spanish-born individuals who held the highest positions in society. They enjoyed significant privileges, including tax exemption.
• Americano were those born in the Philippines but of pure Spanish descent. They were also exempt from taxes.
• Insulares considered mixed-race individuals with a higher percentage of Spanish ancestry. They were subject to variable taxes.
• Mestizos were a diverse group of people with mixed ancestry. Their tax payments were determined by their lineage and status.
• Sangley were Chinese immigrants, who were subject to a tax value that was quadrupled the base amount.
• Indios were indigenous Filipinos who were subject to the lowest tax value.
• Negritos were the indigenous peoples of the Philippines who also paid the minimum base tax value,
• Tornatras were individuals with mixed-race parentage, with the lowest status within the mestizos.

Spanish Colonial Labor and Tax System

• The Spanish colonial government implemented a system of forced labor called the polo which required Filipino men aged 16-60 to work for the government for 40 days, later reduced to 15.
• Filipinos could be exempted from the polo by paying a fine called falla or working until they paid their debt, which could be inherited by family members, even after death.
• Bandala was another important form of taxation which involved the forced collection of agricultural products and tribute.

The Cavite Mutiny

• The Cavite Mutiny was a rebellion that occurred in 1767, fueled by discontent with the Spanish colonial government.
• The mutiny stemmed from a complex mixture of social injustices, religious disputes and political frustrations.
• The Spanish government sought to suppress the rebellion and blamed Filipino priests for instigating the event.
• The influence of friars led to the trial and execution of Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora, known as the Gomburza executions.

The Rizal Family and the Landownership Problems

• Jose Rizal, a prominent Filipino nationalist, was a member of the ilustrado class, individuals who went abroad to study and gain knowledge. He was supported financially by his brother Paciano.
• Rizal's family faced challenges with land ownership in Calamba, where they were in conflict with the Dominican friars, who had gained control of much of the land through various historical land acquisition methods.
• The Dominicans exploited the natives with variable and often abusive taxes, which fueled discontent and protests.
• Rizal conducted investigations on behalf of his community, exposing the friars' actions and drawing attention to the injustices experienced by local Filipino peasants.
• Ultimately, the Rizal family and many other Filipinos living in Calamba lost their lands to the friars.

Test your knowledge of the Spanish colonial social hierarchy, a complex caste system influenced by race and ancestry. Learn about the different classifications, their privileges, and tax obligations. Explore how each group's status shaped society in colonial times.