Spanish America refers to the regions of the Americas that were colonized by Spain during its period of exploration and conquest. These areas include present-day countries such as Mexico, Peru, Colombia, and Argentina.
Related terms
Encomienda System: A Spanish labor system where conquistadors were granted land and indigenous people to work for them.
Viceroyalty: A political division in Spanish America under the rule of a viceroy, who represented the Spanish monarchy.
Mita System: A mandatory labor draft imposed by the Spanish colonial authorities on indigenous communities.