Chapter 19 AP World History

How and why did the sociedad de castas develop? How did the Creoles develop a unique sense of self-identity? What political and social effects of this system developed over time?

Although hierarchies of wealth and occupation had existed previously, a growth in the births of mixed people created a new racial hierarchy. Creoles grew to differentiate themselves from other groups, and held at the top of society (second only to peninsulares) where they dominated local economies, held authority over local people, and developed a sense of authority and pride in their accomplishments. The racial hierarchy intersected with the traditional Iberian ranks, and women worked primarily in agriculture and manufacturing.

Why was mining the "silver heart" of the empire? To what extent did silver mining stimulate the economies of Latin America and Spain? What were the effects on each?

Mining and the production of silver formed the basis for much of Latin American economic activity. The mines also provided job opportunities for many workers, both indigenous and drafted labor. Mining also stimulated other parts of the economy, and industries developed to support miners. In Latin America, economic growth and the development of new industries and areas occurred because of silver mining, and in Spain, the government made huge amounts of money because of their monopoly on the mining (and related) industries.

Compare the conquest of Mexico with the conquest of South America. What were the effects on each region?

Both the conquests of Mexico and of South America were done primarily through military force. Through the help of native allies, the Aztec and Inca governments, respectively, were taken over by Spain. In most of the conquered areas, the Spanish found plentiful food and laborers, and ravaged the population with disease and battle.

Describe characteristics of Iberian society that transferred to the New World colonies.

Iberian religions, technology, and other aspects of culture were introduced to New World society. First, Christian missionaries travelled to the colonies and attempted to convert natives. The patriarchal structures and urban organization was also applied to Latin America, and the Iberian tradition of slavery was also brought to the colonies.

Why were the Spanish so successful at conquering the Americas with such small numbers?

Several reasons: these included a technological and transportation advantage, effective leadership, disease (unintentionally), and internal American divisions.

What problems existed by the 18th century in the Spanish colonial system? Why did the 18th century reform efforts provoke colonial resistance? Give an example.

Spain's territorial monopoly was challenged by other countries and by smaller groups. The American system also began to fail, with less mercantilism and possession by Spaniards. Basically, Spain lost its commercial monopoly. To combat this, Spain instigated colonial reforms, leading to economic growth and changes in government. The political changes instigated disruptions in the old patterns of power in the colonies. This disruption also provoked some violent colonial reactions. In New Granada, for example, the Comunero Revolt defeated a royal arm and almost took the capital before it was suppressed.

Describe ways the Catholic Church affected colonization of the Americas.

The Catholic Church was a huge influence on both the political and cultural aspects of the colonies. Politically, the church was both a strong influence on and a supporter of the state. Religion also provided a subject for education and printed books. Schools opened with theology becoming a central topic. Overall, the Church played a major role in the ideology and political framework of Latin America.

Why did the Portuguese wait so long to develop Brazil? How did sugar, slavery, and gold affect the economic and social development of Brazil?

The Portuguese (and Europeans in general) did not see much commercial appeal in the products of Brazil. Additionally, many Portuguese nobles in Brazil did not have the money to colonize their land. However, sugar changed this. Brazil developed hundreds of large sugar plantations, which demanded both money and labor to produce. To fill this necessity, African slaves were imported. Brazil became a powerful plantation colony on the basis of sugar and slave labor. This hierarchy of slaves, mixed people, and white planter families formed a new social structure. Gold, after a decline in Brazilian sugar production, grew in importance but allowed eventually detrimental economic policies.

Describe the nature of Spanish government administration in the American colonies. How did both church and state play a role? Local governments vs the motherland?

The Spanish government in the Americas was based on an extensive bureaucratic system. It was built on a judicial system, and local administrative divisions exercised authority. Despite the considerable power wielded by the local authorities, everyone reported back to the Spanish king, who also sent representatives. Catholic sects also formed another branch of the state administration. They carried out widespread conversions of natives and established churches in the villages and towns. The clergy was usually huge supporters and a major influence on state policy.

Characterize the type of men who became Spanish conquerers. Who were they? What motivated them?

The Spanish men who became conquerers came from all different social classes, and were motivated by gold and religious reasons in the New World. They also sought to establish themselves as a nobility over the native population.

What happened to the Taino people of the Caribbean islands? What model for American colonization was established in the Caribbean?

The Taino people were first put into the encomienda system, and were harshly mistreated: gold hunting, slaving, and disease killed a large amount of the native population. The agricultural plantation model for the colonies was established in the Caribbean, with sugar and slavery serving as the basis for this model. Most of the indigenous population died, so to support the agricultural economy, slaves were imported from Africa.

How did Spaniards attempt to justify their treatment of indigenous Indians? What arguments were made against this treatment?

The conquistadors, driven mostly by greed, tried to justify their violent conquests and rule with the excuse of freeing them from their previous, unfair rulers, and bringing to them the salvation of Christianity. However, several arguments were made against this view. The arguments stated that because the natives were innocent, and fully human (a differing view from previous conquistadors) they should not be conquered.

Characterize the economic activities of the New World colonies. How did haciendas and mercantilism play a role?

The economic activities of the New World colonial system primarily relied on agricultural and mining industries. The government's involvement played a role in both activities, shown through haciendas, where estates became the source of power and wealth for local aristocrats, and also in mercantilism, where the government maximized production of silver and gold. Through this support, the agricultural and mining industries supported the basis of the Latin American economy.

How were indigenous societies transformed by the conquest? Compare the encomienda and mita systems.

The existing indigenous societies were severely disturbed by Spanish conquest. These disturbances included a drastic population decrease, and overall radical changes in social (sociedad de castas) and economic structures. The natives were also exploited for labor. The encomienda system and the mita system were both forms of coerced labor, but while the mita system allowed for the repayment of debts, the encomienda system did not.