The Spanish implemented a strict social class system in Spanish America primarily to maintain control over the diverse populations and ensure colonial governance. This hierarchy, often based on race and lineage, established clear distinctions between Spaniards, Creoles, mestizos, indigenous peoples, and enslaved Africans, reinforcing Spanish dominance. By privileging those of Spanish descent and marginalizing others, the system helped to solidify political power, economic interests, and cultural hegemony in the colonies. Ultimately, it aimed to prevent rebellion and maintain order in the vast and varied territories under Spanish rule.
estricto
strict.
'What was the Spanish Empire?' At its greatest extent it had much of South America, quite a large area of Central and North America, many Pacific islands and quite a large area of Europe.
estricto (m) / estricta (f)
The Spanish word for strict is estricto. Many English words beginning 'st(r)'are similar in Spanish, but begin, instead, 'est(r)', for example: Stephen = Esteban strange = extraño stranger = extranjero scribe = escriba (hence, also, 'escribir' = to write)
The strict translation of the Spanish phrase "transporte maritimo" to English is "maritime transport". This and other Spanish translations can be found at the online site "Spanishdict".
"Severo" in Spanish translates to "severe" or "strict." It is often used to describe someone or something that is very serious, harsh, or demanding.
The rules of the Spanish colonies were primarily governed by a system of viceroys who acted as representatives of the Spanish crown, overseeing administration, justice, and trade. The colonies were subject to Spanish law and heavily influenced by the Catholic Church, which played a central role in governance and social life. Economic activities were regulated through mercantilism, emphasizing the extraction of resources for the benefit of Spain, while indigenous populations faced strict social hierarchies and forced labor under systems like encomienda. Overall, the colonial system was characterized by a blend of centralized authority, religious influence, and economic exploitation.
Spain's desire to secure profits from its American empire led to the establishment of a mercantilist economic system, prioritizing the extraction of resources such as gold, silver, and agricultural products. This focus on resource extraction resulted in the implementation of strict trade regulations, limiting commerce to Spanish ships and requiring colonies to supply raw materials while importing finished goods from Spain. Consequently, the economic activities of Spanish America became heavily centered on mining and plantation agriculture, stifling local industries and fostering dependency on the Spanish crown for economic prosperity.
It was a very strict and very brave Spanish governor-general named General Camilo de Polavieja.
The Spanish Armada failed because of many things: Communication- There was a great lack of communication between the Spanish fleet from Spain and the Spanish in France. Francis Drake- Drake was highly experienced and very tactical. Phillip II- They had a perfect opportunity to invade England when the first arrived but were under strict instructions not to invade until they had the full fleet unless absolutely necessary. Medina Sedonia- The leader of the Spanish had no experience and did not want to lead the invasion!
The laws of the Indies also set up a strict social system. People in the Spanish colonies were divided into four social classes: penninsulares, creoles, mestizos, and Indians. Found on page 78, Chapter 3 of The American Nation by James West Davidson