South American colonies

Definition

South American colonies were territories established by European powers, primarily Spain and Portugal, from the 16th to the 19th centuries. These colonies played a crucial role in the age of imperialism, as European nations sought to expand their influence and exploit the continent's resources, including gold, silver, and agricultural products.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Spain established its dominance in South America with the conquest of the Inca Empire in the early 16th century, leading to the establishment of vast territories.
2. The Portuguese focused on Brazil, which became a significant source of sugar production and contributed to the transatlantic slave trade.
3. The colonial economy was heavily based on agriculture and mining, leading to the exploitation of indigenous peoples and African slaves.
4. The social hierarchy in the colonies was rigidly structured, with peninsulares (Spanish-born) at the top, followed by criollos (American-born descendants of Europeans), mestizos, and indigenous peoples.
5. Independence movements across South America in the early 19th century led to the decline of colonial rule and the emergence of new nation-states.

Review Questions

• How did colonial powers establish control over South American territories and what strategies did they use?
  • Colonial powers like Spain and Portugal established control over South American territories through military conquest, alliances with indigenous groups, and strategic settlements. They employed tactics such as the Encomienda System to exploit labor and resources from local populations. Additionally, they utilized religious missions to convert indigenous peoples to Christianity, thereby reinforcing their dominance and cultural influence in the region.
• In what ways did mercantilism shape the economic structures of South American colonies during their imperial period?
  • Mercantilism significantly shaped the economic structures of South American colonies by emphasizing the accumulation of wealth for the mother country through controlled trade practices. Colonies were expected to supply raw materials like gold, silver, and sugar to Europe while purchasing manufactured goods in return. This one-sided economic relationship not only enriched European powers but also created dependency among the colonies, limiting their economic development and autonomy.
• Evaluate the impact of independence movements on social structures in South America during the early 19th century.
  • The independence movements in South America had a profound impact on social structures by challenging existing hierarchies established during colonial rule. As colonies gained independence, the rigid caste system began to dissolve, allowing for greater social mobility among criollos and mestizos who had been previously marginalized. However, while independence led to new nation-states, many social inequalities persisted, and power remained concentrated among elites, complicating efforts towards equitable social progress in the post-colonial period.

Related terms

Colonialism: The practice of acquiring and maintaining colonies by a country, involving the settlement of colonizers and the exploitation of resources and local populations.

Mercantilism: An economic theory that emphasizes the importance of accumulating wealth through trade and colonization, which was a driving force behind the establishment of South American colonies.

Encomienda System: A labor system established by the Spanish crown that granted colonists the right to demand labor from indigenous people in exchange for protection and Christianization.