In 3 to 5 sentences, analyze a characteristic of Spanish colonial rule. determine if it would be considered a strength or weakness of colonial rule, and explain why.

One characteristic of Spanish colonial rule was the establishment of a strict social hierarchy with Spaniards at the top and indigenous peoples at the bottom. This helped maintain control and ensure obedience from the local population. However, this enforced hierarchy also led to significant oppression, exploitation, and inequality among the different social classes. Overall, this characteristic would be considered a weakness of Spanish colonial rule as it resulted in a lack of autonomy and dignity for the colonized peoples.