Spanish and Portuguese Colonies in the Americas Section 2

Bartolomé de las casas

A priest horrified by the way Native Americans were treated, who later prodded the new law of 1542. The law forbade the enslavement and abuse to Native American;however, Spain was too far away to in force it.

Cleoles

American-born descendants of Spanish settlers. Owned most of the plantations, ranches and mines.

Mulatto

People of both Native American and Africa descents, they formed the lower society class.

Mestizo

People of both Native American and European descent.

Viceroy

Representatives who ruled in the name of the king in each province.

Encomienda

The right to demand labor or tribute from Native American in a particular area.

Peninsulare

The top of Spain colonial society, they filled the highest position in both the colonial government and the Catholic Church.

Peon

Workers forced to labor for a landlord in order to pay off a debt.

Privateer

private that operated with the approval of European governments.