Colonial rule in Latin America
Divide and conquer
Who is in power?
Birth and wealth
Breaking away from an empire
Colonial rule in Latin America was characterized by the divide and conquer strategies implemented by European powers such as Spain and Portugal. These colonial powers exploited existing social hierarchies and divisions within indigenous communities to maintain control over the region.
The ruling class in colonial Latin America was made up of individuals of European descent, known as peninsulares, who held the highest positions of power and authority. Below them were the creoles, people of European descent born in the Americas, who held significant wealth and influence but were often marginalized by the peninsulares.
Social mobility in colonial Latin America was largely determined by birth and wealth, with individuals being born into specific social classes that dictated their opportunities for advancement. The majority of the population, consisting of indigenous peoples and African slaves, were at the bottom of the social hierarchy and had little to no power or agency.
Despite these challenges, many Latin American countries were able to break away from colonial rule and establish independence movements in the early 19th century. These movements were spurred on by a combination of economic grievances, Enlightenment ideals, and the influence of other successful revolutions such as the American and French Revolutions. Ultimately, the struggles for independence led to the formation of independent nations in Latin America and the overthrow of colonial rule.