In colonial Latin America, the social classes were organized in a Caste System. The highest class was the Peninsulares who were considered of pure blood and the only ones who could hold positions of power. The second class was the Creoles who were born in the Americas and could own land. The third class was the Mestizos. They were Spanish and Native American people who married and had children. The fourth and fifth classes were Mulattoes who were of Spanish and African heritage and Zamboes who were of Native American and African heritage.
The peninsulares, who were Spanish-born individuals, controlled most of the political, economic, and social power in colonial Latin America. They held high-ranking positions in government and the Catholic Church and benefited from preferential treatment and access to resources over the criollos, who were people of Spanish descent born in the Americas.
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In colonial Latin America, the Creole class, which consisted of people of Spanish descent born in the Americas, held most of the political, economic, and social power. They often occupied key government and administrative positions, while the Peninsulares, who were born in Spain, held a higher social status but were fewer in number. The indigenous populations and enslaved Africans were largely marginalized and excluded from power. This hierarchical structure significantly influenced the social dynamics and governance of colonial society.
The upper classes in colonial America consisted of wealthy landowners, merchants, and professionals such as doctors and lawyers. This group held significant economic and political power, often dominating colonial society and government.
Manufacturing
fishing
economic
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Various degrees of political, economic and even military interventionism.
Economic
Economic
The independent nations of Latin America emerged from colonial rule in the early 19th century through revolutions and wars of independence. They were established as sovereign states, free from European colonial control. However, many of these nations faced challenges such as political instability, economic dependence, and social inequalities.