Spanish governance

Definition

Spanish governance refers to the methods and systems used by Spain during its colonization of South America. It involved establishing political control through viceroyalties and encomienda systems while exploiting indigenous populations for resources.

Related terms

Viceroyalty: A viceroyalty was an administrative division established by Spain in South America where a viceroy acted as their representative with significant powers.

Encomienda System: This system granted conquistadors land along with Native American laborers who were forced into servitude under harsh conditions.

Mestizaje: Mestizaje refers to the mixing of Spanish and indigenous populations in South America, leading to a new mixed-race society with its own cultural identity.