Spain’s American Empire

Post-Conquest

After the fall of the Aztec/Inca empires, Spain set up a centralized government to administer their American colonies. Spanish crown and church ruled together. ex. Bishops had government positions.

Social Structure

As more people crossed the Atlantic, the number of Creoles grew.

American silver gave Spain a foundation of lasting power. Viceroyalties were established to represent the king in the New World.

New Spain-Peru-New Granada-La Plata. Governors and other officials were under the Viceroy.

Little representation for Amerindians in this colonial system. Bartolomé de las Casas: Argued for the humanity of Natives; critical of Spain’s brutal tactics in controlling labor.

Potosí

A huge mountain of silver drove the harsh labor conditions Amerindians were forced to work in. Mercury amalgamation process increased efficiency. Toxic for workers, many died from it.

Take everything, Give nothing

Spain aimed to take raw materials and natural resources from America. No plans of long-term investment. No economic growth. Opened doors for Dutch, English, and French. All challenged Spain in 1700 and 1800s.

Complex mixtures of people and cultures came from European immigration, the slave trade, and native populations recovering. Class of Mestizos were growing with the blending of Europeans and natives.

Catholicism combined with indigenous beliefs to form a variation of Christianity.

This was an example of syncretism, a blend of cultural elements from multiple traditions. ex. Virgin of Guadalupe; Christmas trees (Germanic)

Casta SystemImplemented in Spanish Americas for racial organization. Social mobility was possible, movement up and down was attainable. Spanish descent was always preferred.