1. Social Classes of New Spain (Mexico after the fall of Montezuma and the Aztecs) Encomienda System

2.  Conquers Aztecs and surrounding Indigenous people for the expansion of Spain  Sets up a social class situation that is primarily based on blood and place of birth – Allegiance to Spain is key.  Spain – wants to keep its colonial expansion without having to commit troops and money to defend against rebellion.  “How do we keep the new territory loyal to Spain?” Hernan Cortes

3.  Top social class – Peninsulares  granted large estates where they could grow crops, raise cattle and other farm animals for sale of products/trade. (Called Haciendas)  Farms had labor provided by Spain via the conquered peoples (Indians/Aztecs)  Peninsulares were identified as Spanish Born, from Spanish Parents (“pure bloods” from the home country)  Best chance to keep the peace by their allegiance to the crown of Spain.  Were only ones who could hold high public office (mayor, etc)  This system was called the Encomienda System Distribution of land,wealth, privileges

4.  Second class below the Peninsulares were the Criollos (Creoles)  They were of pure Spanish Blood but were born in New Spain (Mexico) rather than in Spain.  Could not hold the same level of public office, were not granted the Hacienda’s from the king, but could inherit the land from their Parents if they were Peninsulares. Distribution of land,wealth, privileges

5.  The Peninsulares and Criollos were considered upper class, and supported the king based on their love for the “homeland” ……but as time went by the Criollos were less connected…… the 1 st generation Criollos had parents born in Spain, but 2 nd and 3 rd generations were born in New Spain (Mexico) and their affection for Spain diminished every generation. Movement Away from Spain…

6.  Mestizos - Mixed ancestry blood, could be the child of a Peninsulares and a Native Indian (forbidden love ☺ )  Because they had some “pure blood” they were considered above any “non-pure-blood” person.  These were the working class people of the society, mainly in small towns and communities.  Mulattos – Mixed blood of African Slaves and Mestizos  rarely ever mixed with Creoles or Peninsulares. Took a slightly higher place in society because they were not purely slave. Lower classes

7.  Captured Aztec, Native Indian Tribes, and Slaves from Africa.  Used for labor with essentially no rights.  Under Encomienda System, “labor” was supposed to be treated fairly, with shelter, food, and living supplies because Spain wanted to reduce any chance of over- throw by rebellious groups Lowest Class

8. Peninsulares Creoles Mestizos Mulattos Native Indians Black Slaves Based on Blood and birth location Granted land, political office and voting rts Inherit land, still considered upper class No inheritance Lowest of the middle class No rights whatsoever

9. THE MESTIZO RACE

10. In some Latin American countries, such as Mexico, the concept of the "mestizo" became central to the formation of a new independent identity that was neither wholly Spanish nor wholly indigenous and the word mestizo acquired its current double meaning of mixed cultural heritage and descent. Mestizo is a term traditionally used in Spain, Latin America, and the Philippines for people who identify as having mixed descent. mes·ti·zo /me ˈ stēzō/

14. LA RAZA COSMICA

16. BEING MESTIZO IS…  Explain why Mexicans have adopted the term “Mestizo” to apply to themselves.  What are the positives and negatives of having a Mestizo identity? Do you agree with the label mestizo?

21. How European Class Hierarchy Has Affected America Today Has the pyramid of race-based privilege changed?

24. 1800s Class Hierarchy in the United States

26. 2015 United States Power Hierarchy

27. Analyzing Historical Trends  How do wealth, race, gender, and power intersect?  How are the problems with racism and inequality that we have today related to our history?  What does this context tell us about the difficulty in ending racial prejudice?  How does this call us to action?