1. E. Napp The Colonial Experience in Latin America In this lesson, students will be able to define the following terms: Peninsulares Criollos Mestizos The Colonial Hierarchy Treatment of American Indians and Africans

2. E. Napp Gold and silver from the Americas were shipped to Spain.

3. E. Napp Power Spain sent royal governors to rule its colonies in Latin America. Gold and silver from the Americas were shipped to Spain, making it the strongest power in Europe in the 16 th century. Conquered lands in the Americas were frequently divided among the soldiers.

4. E. Napp The conquerors used the Native Americans to farm the land and work the mines.

5. E. Napp The Encomienda System Encomienda was the system of forced Indian labor. Native American Indians were forced to labor for Europeans. Many Native Americans died from the harsh working conditions and smallpox disease.

6. E. Napp Smallpox disease led to the deaths of many Native American Indians.

7. E. Napp The Social Hierarchy The social hierarchy in Latin America was as follows: Peninsulares Criollos Mestizos Mulattos Indians Africans

8. E. Napp Peninsulares were people born on the Iberian peninsula. They were the most powerful people in the Americas.

9. E. Napp Criollos or creoles were people born in the Americas of European ancestry. They were wealthy landowners but could not hold high government positions.

10. E. Napp Mestizos were of mixed ancestry. They were part-Indian and part-European. They could not hold government office.

11. E. Napp Mulattos were part-African and part-European. They were not able to hold government office.

12. E. Napp Indians were forced to labor in the encomienda system.

13. E. Napp African slaves were brought in to do the work a dying Native population could not do.

14. E. Napp Questions for Reflection: What was the social hierarchy of colonial Latin America? Who were peninsulares and why were they so powerful? What was the difference between peninsulares and criollos? Who were mestizos and how were they treated? Describe the treatment of Indians and Africans.