1. AIM: How did “blood” define social class hierarchy in the Spanish colonies? Do-Now: Who sits on the top of the social class pyramid in Latin America? Why was this the case?

2. Peninsulares “pure blood” ??? From the Iberian Peninsula
Highest social class and the only class which could hold high office (church, military, administrative)
Spain wanted to keep loyalty of colonial leaders.

3. Creoles Born in Americas Land-owning Elite
Could not hold highest positions
In 1800s will rebel against peninsulares in wars of independence

4. Mestizos Of Spanish and Amerindian descent
Spanish and Portuguese men married native women and had families.

5. Free Blacks= Slaves which have earned or bought freedom.
Mulattos = Spanish and African descent
Free Blacks= Slaves which have earned or bought freedom.

6. Africans
Many Africans were brought over from Africa to the colonies as slaves.
Some of these Africans would escape from a plantation and find their way to native villages.
Natives were usually sympathetic to the African people.

7. Factions by Fractions
There were various levels in society, in between the main groups, based on blood.
Derogatory Slurs

8. Classwork: 5/20/16
Complete the short reading from De Las Casas on the Spanish Encomienda System in Latin America and answer associated questions. Be prepared to discuss!