History

What was the role of the viceroy in Spanish territories?

The viceroy was the king's representative, acting as commander-in-chief, supervising tax collection, developing the territory, administering industries, appointing governors and mayors, and ensuring laws were obeyed.

What are Municipal Councils (Cabildos)?

They governed towns and rural areas under viceroys and governors, managing local affairs.

Who were Regidores?

Officials in Cabildos responsible for managing local defense, maintenance, and tax imposition.

What was the purpose of the Audiencia?

It served as the highest court and check on officials, overseeing appeals and governor misconduct.

What is the Conciliar System of Government?

A system in which the king relied on councils to manage the empire, including the Council of Castile, Council of Finance, and Council of the Indies.

What was the function of the Council of the Indies?

It oversaw the administration in the New World, managing civil, military, commercial, and religious matters.

What measures did Spain implement to protect her empire in the Americas?

Measures included the House of Trade, fortification of towns, convoy system, monopoly port system, Guarda Costa, and Asiento.

How did the Spanish colonial administration evaluate governors' performance?

Through methods such as Residencia and Vista, which involved investigations of a governor’s term and ongoing assessments.

What led to the challenges against Spanish control in the Caribbean?

Challenges arose from illegal trading with European rivals, settlement by the French and English, and privateering.

What were Spanish settlers relying on due to trade protectionism?

They relied heavily on illegal trade with English and Dutch merchants for essential goods.

How did the Dutch challenge Spanish monopoly in the Caribbean?

Through settlements and illegal trade, capturing key ports and supplying slaves and goods to Spanish colonies.

Who were the English privateers and what was their impact?

English privateers like Hawkins and Drake engaged in illegal trade and attacked Spanish interests, disrupting their control.

What were some limitations of the Spanish colonial government?

Slow communication resulted in delayed decisions, and the king preferred personally overseeing important matters.

What significant historical figure was the first effective Spanish governor in the Caribbean?

Ovando was the first effective Spanish governor in the Caribbean.

What was the significance of Casa de Contratación in Spanish colonial administration?

It controlled exploration, colonization, taxes, licensing, and trade information in the Spanish Empire.

What led to the rise of illegal trading in Spanish colonies?

Spain's strict trade protections caused shortages, making settlers rely on illicit exchanges with foreign merchants.

What was the result of the Treaty of 1763 concerning Spanish territories?

Spain's control in the Americas significantly weakened, responding to settlements established by the French and English.