Spanish Colonization
Governing Latin America Stretched from California to S. America Divided into 5 provinces: New Spain (Mexico), Peru, Caribbean, were most important King appointed a viceroy to rule each province Viceroy – the person appointed by the King to rule in his place in the colony. Council for the Indies – made laws for the colonies Assisted by audencias – advisory councils of Spanish colonists. Only Spanish Catholics allowed to settle in colonies.
Economic Life Followed mercantilist policies: Colonies export raw materials to Spain & buy manufactured goods from Spain Most valuable exports: gold & silver Established sugar plantations – refined into sugar, molasses, rum
Encomienda system Encomienda – plantations owned by conquistadors/wealthy colonists Conquistadors given right to force Native Americans to work on the plantations
Native Americans are paid a small amount for their work Native Americans are paid a small amount for their work. They became peons or sharecroppers that worked for the landlord to pay off debt created when they were given food, tools, seeds.
Bartolome de las Casas – a priest who condemned the encomienda system and abuse of the Native Americans. He gathered eyewitness accounts; sent to the King of Spain 1542 – New laws are passed. Repartmiento: forbid enslavement (not enforced) Indians are to be paid (a small amount) for their work.
The labor shortage led to the importation of Africans The labor shortage led to the importation of Africans. This marks the beginning of the slave trade.
Social impact of Spanish Colonization A person’s birth and the Catholic Church determined their social status.
Peninsulares Born in Spain, they held the highest positions in gov’t Viceroy, audencia, &/ owned encomiendas Peninsulares
Creoles Spaniards born in the Americas/ colonies Plantations Ranchers Mine owners Peninsulares Creoles
Mestizo, Mulattoes, Zambo Mestizos/Mulattoes Persons of mixed race, born in the Americas Spanish/Indian (Indigenous) Spanish/African Indian/African Peninsualres Creoles Mestizo, Mulattoes, Zambo
Indigenous & Africans Sharecroppers Slaves No power Zambo Peninsulares Creoles Mestizo, Mulattoes, Zambo Indigenous & Africans
Role of the Catholic Church Served as gov’t officials Became the major landholder Baptized/converted thousands of indigenous people Built missions (church) on the frontier
Social influence Taught indigenous people that European(s) culture was superior Introduced western clothing Spanish language European crafts: carpentry; locksmithing Reinforced the patriarchal society. Males held the most power (dominated).
Religious role Ministered to the needs of Spanish settlers Built churches Built hospitals Ran schools and universities (University of Mexico 1551) Kept records of births, marriages, deaths
Slave Trade Groups of 3 or 4 read Olaudah Equiano’s first hand account of life as a slave. One sheet loose-leaf w/ names & 25 bullets about the slave trade & slavery Be sure to include facts from each of the three narratives: Page 1: Capture of slaves Page 2&3: Middle Passage (Transport) Page 4: Arrival & Sale of slaves