The colonial economy was closely controlled by speed and monitored by colonists.
Adoption of a commercial system:
Modeled on Spanish practices involving organized companies.
Fathers usually remained in Spain while sons and nephews were sent to colonies.
Existence of a commission system until the end of colonial periods.
Focus on maximizing value for Spain led to significant issues in supply chains.
Dependence on European goods by colonists, particularly elites.
Costs of goods were high, especially in remote areas due to distance from ports.
Resulted in widespread smuggling by English and Dutch ships.
Occasional resistance from official trade systems.
Manufacturing restrictions in colonies:
Manufacturing of crude goods was discouraged under mercantilism.
Despite discouragement, some factories established to produce essential non-luxury items (e.g., textiles).
Local production of goods like sugarcane and shoes occurred despite restrictions.
Significant impacts on local economies and social structures.
Race Relations in Colonial Society
Caste system based on race existed in Spanish America and Portuguese Brazil:
Defined societal roles with fixed positions for individuals.
High social status generally held by whites, particularly privileged families.
Poor whites often faced hardship similar to other racial groups but still regarded as superior.
Social hierarchy:
Mestizos (Spanish-Indian mix) held a middle tier position but experienced lower status.
Depending on paternal recognition, some mestizos could attain positions of relative importance.
Majority, however, faced discrimination and regarded as a disruptive force in late colonial society.
Indians had the lowest social status, performing menial jobs and receiving little respect.
Blacks had slightly higher status but still faced severe discrimination.
Colonial laws discriminated against:
Blacks, mixed races, and Indians in legal, state, and ecclesiastical matters.
Specific restrictions included:
Prohibitions on attire, horseback riding, and religious roles (e.g., becoming priests).
Variances in enforcement based on geographic location (strict in major cities, more lenient elsewhere).
European Rivalry and Colonial Prestige
Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494 divided new territories between Spain and Portugal:
Established an unseen line dividing Western and Eastern spheres of influence.
Portugal focused on African coast and eastern routes, while Spain concentrated on the New World.
Refusal of other European nations to recognize this monopoly led to rivalry in subsequent centuries.
England, France, and the Dutch began disputing and attacking Spanish fleets and territories.
Notable attacks included the interception of silver and gold shipments.
Gradual takeover of some Caribbean islands by British and French forces.
The Dutch's active role in the early 17th century against Spain and Portugal exemplified the competition.
Occupation of Northeast Brazil by Dutch forces.
Attempts to disrupt Spanish supply routes continued until the eventual loss of some colonial places (though many remained under Spanish and Portuguese control).
The Role of the Catholic Church
The Roman Catholic Church integrated closely with state governance in Spain and Portugal, impacting Latin America as well:
Monarchs maintained "royal patronage" granted by the Pope, allowing them authority over clergy appointments.
Every colonial expedition included clergy members to oversee spiritual life.
The church served as a unifying element within colonial society:
Universally recognized among all population tiers, minimizing religious division.
Facilitated connections between conquerors and indigenous populations, integrating cultural practices.
Spanish cultural influences on indigenous people:
Encouragement for the adoption of Spanish language, cultural practices, and architecture.
Some adaptation of church practices to local customs occurred in various communities.
Not all aspects of church influence were pervasive; indigenous cultures maintained distinct identities.
Internal Church divisions:
Secular priests versus monastic orders (such as Franciscans and Dominicans).
Rivalries existed among monastic groups regarding institutional power and missionary paths.
The Franciscans were typically the first active missionary order, amassing considerable wealth and influence compared to later arriving orders.
Social and Cultural Impacts of Church in the Colonies
The influence of religious orders extended into colonial governance and societal structure:
Specific authority granted to certain religious groups to administer sacraments and manage congregations.
This authority allowed them to profoundly influence day-to-day life and the colonial social order.
Financial and political power accrued by prominent orders such as the Franciscans had lasting effects on Spanish society.