Latin American Colonialism World History II Mr. Waldecker

Essential Understanding Latin American revolutions of the nineteenth century were influenced by the clash of European cultures in the development of governments and ruling powers.

Essential Understanding Spanish conquests in Latin America saw the rapid decline of native populations and introduction of slaves from Africa. Conquistadors were given governmental authority by the crown, becoming known as viceroys.

Essential Questions What were the characteristics of the colonial system in Latin America in the nineteenth century? How did Spain and Portugal maintain control of their Latin American domains?

Latin America Defined Latin America includes all countries in Central and South America, as well as most of the island nations of the Caribbean. It is called Latin America because the main languages are Spanish and Portuguese, which are Latin based.

Colonization by Europeans Two European nations involved in Colonization: –Spain –Portugal

Portuguese Colonization Portugal had but one major colony in the New World: –Brazil

Spanish Colonization Spain colonized almost all of the other countries in Central and South America. Notably: –Mexico –Columbia –Venezuela –Peru –Argentina –Cuba

Beginnings of Colonization Spanish explorers Cortez and Pizarro conquered existing cultures. –Cortez: Aztecs in Mexico –Pizarro: Incas in Peru Both brought death to natives through disease. Conquistadors, like the one in this painting by jOuey, were far deadlier than their weapons. The European diseases they brought devastated native populations.

Religion is important! Colonization was aided by missionary activities of Roman Catholic Church. One of the first buildings to be erected in any city was the church. Oldest Catholic Church in Central America Iglesia de la Conquistadora (1524)

Religion as a control Missionaries ensured natives were educated in the ways of the church, and with it, the Spanish or Portuguese authorities. All natives were expected to convert to Catholicism.

Colonial Hierarchy Conquistadors were granted royal charters These officials would become the viceroys in later years. Colonial posts were created, allowing for the efficient governing of the colonies by Spanish officers.

Classes of People Control was also done by class –Full blooded Spanish were always at the top. –Natives and slaves were at the bottom. –There were others though….. Spanish Creoles Mestizos Slaves and natives

Others???? Creoles – Pure blooded Spanish or Portuguese born in the colonies. Mestizos – The result of a Spanish or Portuguese father and native mother (half bloods).

Colonies Imitated Mother Country Urban centers established by Spain and Portugal to facilitate trade. These larger cities were especially designed to copy architecturally and aesthetically the mother country.

Major Cities had Purpose By establishing a network of cities, the Europeans both demonstrated their power and established the fact they were here to stay.

Major Cities as Outposts of Colonial Authority Established key cities as centers of authority: –For Spain: Havana, Cuba Mexico City, Mexico Lima, Peru Buenos Aires, Argentina –For Portugal: Sao Paolo, Brazil Havana, Cuba Buenos Aires, Argentina Mexico City, Mexico Sao Paolo, Brazil Lima, Peru

Resources One of the biggest reasons for the expansive Spanish colonization was their mining of precious metals and gems, particularly gold and silver. A small portion of the gold, silver and gems recovered from the wreck of the Spanish galleon Atocha.