Global Encounters Spanish Rule in Colonial America

Elite Small segment of society that is superior in power, wealth, status, and exerted more influence than their numbers would indicate

Colonial Class System Peninsulares: Europeans born in Europe who were small in number, but powerful (heads of government and controlled the economy); looked down upon others; most lived in cities or spent most of their time in city houses located at the center of the city Viceroys, top colonial and Church officials

Colonial Class System Creoles: Europeans born in America who were also few in number, not nearly as powerful as the Peninsulares whose wealth and power they increasingly resented; they were usually the owners of large haciendas who had homes in both the countryside and the cities.

Colonial Class System Mestizos: persons of mixed European and Indian descent who, as a result of their ethnicity, were much lower in status than the Peninsulares or Creoles; they grew to be a majority in many areas (Mexico); backbone of colonial society - artisans, overseers, small farmers, shopkeepers. Mulattos: persons of mixed African ancestry (more numerous in Brazil & islands of the Caribbean).

Colonial Class System Native Americans: some remained in their own villages, isolated from colonial society & preserving much of their traditions and heritage; others worked on the large haciendas as peons (workers who worked to pay off a debt).

Colonial Class System Free Blacks: those slaves who were able to gain their freedom either by being granted it (manumission) or buying their way out; most worked as laborers and farm workers.

Colonial Class System Slaves: considered property with few, if any, rights; worked on plantations (especially numerous in Brazil & islands of the Caribbean); could, in some instances, buy their freedom.

Atlantic Slave Trade

Triangle Trade

Impact of the Atlantic Slave Trade Population loss for some areas and the disappearance of some tribes African Diaspora (spreading of a people) Africans were forcibly transported to the New World African culture became a part of the cultural mix of the colonies Encouraged racism among the Europeans who began to see themselves as superior

Impact of the Atlantic Slave Trade Economic Changes in Africa Importation of manufactured goods from Europe and elsewhere undermined the foundations of Africa’s cottage industries (small scale production of goods at the local or village level – agricultural societies) Trade routes were diverted from inland to the sea thus weakening some societies and strengthening others

Impact of the Atlantic Slave Trade Political Changes Introduction of guns intensified warfare Some tribes, such as the Ashanti, benefitted from the slave trade as they were able to profit

The Middle Passage

Growth of a Unified Japan Centralized Feudalism under the Tokugawas kept the outward forms of feudal society, but imposed central control Daimyo were forced to live in Edo every other year Strict regulations were applied to all segments of society (Similar to Absolutism)

Impact of Unification Peace led to a growing prosperity centered mostly in Japan’s growing towns and cities Merchants became the prime beneficiaries of these developments as Daimyo and Samurai were banned from such unseemly activities (Confucian influence) Their need for money, though, led them to become increasingly dependent on this class and many fell heavily into debt Nonetheless, Japan did experience tremendous growth in commerce, banking and manufacturing that helped set the stage for later economic transformations

India

World System of Trade