Spanish Colonies in America

1. Spanish Colonies in America Chapter 3 Section 2 Objectives Explain how the Spanish ruled their empire in the Americas Analyze the major features of Spanish colonial society and culture

2. I. Ruling the Spanish Empire • Governing the Province • Viceroys • Appointed representation to the King • Maintained strict rule • Spreading of Christianity • Just as important to the Spanish as gaining land • Controlling trade • Silver and Gold • Colonist could only buy Spanish goods • Encomienda • The right given by the King of Spain to demand labor from the Native Americans • Worked under brutal conditions • Resistors were killed • Disease, starvation and torturous conditions caused the decline of the Native American population

3. II. Colonial Society and Culture • Cultural Blending • Mixing of cultures • Society and Cities • Cities • Center for Government, Commerce, Culture and Education • Social Classes • Peninsulares • Born in Spain, Highest in society ( Peninsulares refers to the Iberian Peninsula) • Creoles • American Born descendents of Spain • Owned plantations, ranches and mines • Mestizos • People of European and Native American descent • Mulattos • People of European and African decent • Native Americans and Africans