Spanish colonial America

Definition

Spanish colonial America refers to the regions in the Americas that were under Spanish control during the colonial period, primarily from the 15th to the 19th centuries. This includes areas such as present-day Mexico, Central and South America, and parts of the Caribbean.

Related terms

Encomienda system: A system implemented by the Spanish colonizers in which indigenous people were forced to work on plantations or in mines for their European masters.

Mestizos: Individuals of mixed European and indigenous heritage.

Caste system: A social hierarchy established by the Spanish colonizers based on race and ancestry.