which group of people in spanish colonial society were the highest classes and why? cite evidence.
Social Studies · Middle School · Sun Jan 24 2021
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In Spanish colonial society, the highest classes were typically the peninsulares. Peninsulares were individuals who were born in Spain and later settled in the American colonies. They held the highest social, political, and economic positions in the colonial hierarchy. The hierarchical structure of Spanish colonial society was characterized by the following classes, in descending order of prestige:
1. Peninsulares: Born in Spain, these individuals were at the top of the social hierarchy in the colonies. They held the most prestigious and influential positions in government, the church, and the economy.
2. Criollos: Criollos were individuals of European descent who were born in the American colonies. While they held positions of privilege and wealth, they were considered below the peninsulares in terms of social status.
3. Mestizos: Mestizos were individuals of mixed European and indigenous ancestry. They occupied a lower social status than criollos.
4. Indigenous People: The indigenous population, consisting of the native people of the Americas, held a subordinate position in the colonial hierarchy. They often faced exploitation, discrimination, and forced labor.
5. Africans and Afro-Latinos: Enslaved Africans and their descendants constituted another group in the lower ranks of colonial society. They were often subjected to forced labor and lacked social and legal rights.
Evidence supporting the privileged position of peninsulares includes historical documents and accounts of the time. The Laws of the Indies, a set of laws issued by the Spanish crown for the governance of its colonies, reflected and reinforced this social hierarchy by granting preferential treatment to peninsulares in terms of political and economic power. Additionally, historical records of colonial administrative roles, military positions, and church leadership consistently show peninsulares in the most prestigious positions, further highlighting their elevated status in Spanish colonial society.