Colonial Latin America - Chapter 3: Ruling New World Empires

Flashcards cover key concepts from Module Three: Ruling New World Empires—uneven European control, settlement patterns, encomienda and hacienda origins, Catholic Church dominance and adaptation, religious syncretism, and essential colonial administration terms.

Why was European control over the Americas uneven?

Because colonization focused on areas most suitable for European survival and prosperity, avoiding tropical lowlands, and expanding gradually in an evolutionary process.

Where did Europeans typically establish settlements in the Americas?

In places where indigenous populations were concentrated, agriculture existed, and land was available.

What is an encomienda?

A land grant that included control over the land and the indigenous population, allowing the encomendero to extract tribute and labor.

Who was the encomendero?

The holder of an encomienda who had authority over the land and its indigenous inhabitants.

What is a hacienda?

An estate that evolved from the encomienda; owned by a hacendado.

Which religion dominated the Colonial Church?

The Catholic Church was the only allowed church; other religions were banned.

What role did the Catholic Church play in colonial Latin America?

It was the largest landowner and the most influential institution, with power concentrated where imperial authority existed.

How were traditional Amerindian and African beliefs treated in the colonies?

They were suppressed but persisted, often blending with Christianity and leading to hybrid religious practices that the Church sometimes accommodated.

What does the phrase obedezco pero no cumplo mean in the colonial context?

I obey but do not execute; reflects obedience without implementing orders in colonization.

What is the quinto (royal fifth) in the Spanish colonial system?

A tax—typically 20%—on mining wealth and other revenue that went to the Crown.

What is a viceroy?

A royal official who governed a viceroyalty on behalf of the Crown.

What is a viceroyalty?

A large territorial unit in the Spanish Empire governed by a viceroy.

Which two viceroyalties were created under Charles I?

Viceroyalty of New Spain and Viceroyalty of Peru.

What is an Audiencia?

A high court or governing council in the colonies, part of the administrative structure.

What is the Council of the Indies?

The primary Spanish governing body in Madrid that supervised colonial affairs and advised the Crown.

Who were the Society of Jesus (Jesuits)?

A Catholic religious order active in education, mission work, and administration in the Americas.

What are caciques?

Indigenous chiefs who held local authority within communities and interacted with colonial authorities.

What is Our Lady of Guadalupe?

A central Catholic symbol and patroness of Mexico, highly influential in colonial religious life.

What is Residencia?

A formal post-term review of a colonial official’s conduct and performance.

What is Visita?

An inspection visit to provinces or districts to assess governance and implementation of policies.

What is Real Hacienda?

The Crown’s royal treasury and system of land-based wealth administered in the colonies.

What is Patronato Real (Royal Patronage)?

Crown rights to appoint church officials and oversee church matters in the colonies.

What is an Oidor?

A judge in the colonial Audiencia who administered law and royal ordinances.

What is an Ouvidor?

A royal official (Portuguese term) who heard complaints and oversaw administration.

Who was Charles I in relation to the colonial divisions discussed?

The king whose rule helped establish the two major viceroyalties (New Spain and Peru) in the early colonial administration.