Colonization of Latin America by Portugal and Spain Social, Political, and Economic Features • peninsulares : a person born on the Iberian Peninsula; typically, a Spanish or Portuguese official who resided temporarily in Latin America for political and economic gain and then returned to Europe • creoles: a person of European descent born in Latin America and living there permanently mestizos : a person of mixed European and Native American descent mulattoes: a person of mixed African and European descent encomienda : a system of labor the Spanish used in the Americas; Spanish landowners had the right, as granted by Queen Isabella, to use Native Americans as laborers mitaa: labor system that the Spanish administrators in Peru used to draft native people to work draft: to select for some purpose; to conscript features Colonization Overview Colonization by Portugal and Spain From early 16th to early 19th century - The Latin American colonies were rich in gold, silver, and natural resources; highly profitable - colonization led to many changes for both the indigenous peoples and the outsiders who settled there. Interactions among indigenous peoples, enslaved Africans, and Europeans led to new social classes - The Catholic Church played a major role Social Characteristics - Social hierarchy: Peninsulares, Creoles, Mestizos, Mulattoes, Africans, and Native Americans - Mestizos (mixed European and Native American) rose in status over time - Harsh labor systems: Encomienda and Mita - Multiracial society formed through intermarriage Economic Foundations - One source of wealth for the Portuguese and Spanish came from resource extraction, or the removal of natural resources from the land. Resource extraction: Gold, silver, and farming (deforestation and overcultivation) - Encomienda system: Forced Native American labor, later replaced by African slaves - Trade: Sugar, tobacco, diamonds, animal hides (leather) shipped to Europe - Spain and Portugal regulated trade to prevent competition Political Governance and Catholic Church • Communication and travel between the Americas and Europe were difficult, making it impossible for the European monarchs to keep a close watch on their overseas empires. • So it was governed through viceroys (representatives of the monarch) • Catholic Church influenced society: Missions, education, hospitals • - Jesuits managed profitable missions and schools • - Women had opportunities in religious orders; advocated for education (e.g., Juana Inés de la Cruz)
