Spanish Colonization of the Americas How was power

Spanish Colonization of the Americas

How was power gained, consolidated, maintained, and distributed in the Spanish colonies? • 1) Religion: Catholicism • Native temples destroyed • Christian buildings often constructed on sites of destroyed native temples • Indians supplied construction labor without receiving payment • Church provided services to local population

How was power gained, consolidated, maintained, and distributed in the Spanish colonies? • 2) Government: Absolutism • Colonies were ruled by Spain – the “Mother Country” • Governor of colony was a personal representative of the King • Lived like a European monarch • Almost all were European • Had absolute power over almost every aspect of colonial life

How was power gained, consolidated, maintained, and distributed in the Spanish colonies? • 3) The Spanish Hierarchy • Growing sugar cane became a large business. • Native Americans were forced to work on • sugar plantations • They were treated cruelly, and many died • Slaves were brought from Africa to do the work.

How was power gained, consolidated, maintained, and distributed in the Spanish colonies? • 4) Encomienda System • Conquistador “entrusted” with native communities • Natives provide labor and tribute • Spaniards provide protection and education • Used as a way to reward conquistadors and govern new territory • Soon turned into a system of slavery