Social Classes of New Spain

1
Encomienda System

• Social Classes of New Spain
• (Mexico after the fall of Montezuma and the
  Aztecs)

2
Hernan Cortes

• Conquers Aztecs and surrounding Indian people
  for the expansion of Spain
• Sets-up a social class situation that is
  primarily based on Blood and place of birth
  Allegiance to Spain is key.
• Spain wants to keep its colonial expansion
  without having to commit troops and money to
  defend against rebellion.
• how do we keep the new territory loyal to Spain

3
Distribution of Land, Wealth, Privileges

• Top social class Peninsulares granted large
  estates where they could grow crops, raise cattle
  and other farm animals for sale of
  products/trade. -Haciendas
• Farms had labor provided by Spain via the
  conquered peoples (Indians/Aztecs)
• Peninsulares were identified as Spanish Born,
  from Spanish Parents (pure bloods from the home
  country)
• Best chance to keep the peace by their allegiance
  to the crown of Spain.
• Were only ones who could hold high public office
  (mayor, etc)
• System called Encomienda System

4
Distribution of Land, Wealth, Privileges

• Second class below the Peninsulares were the
  Criollos (Creoles) They were of pure Spanish
  Blood but were born in New Spain (Mexico) rather
  than in Spain.
• Could not hold the same level of public office,
  were not granted the Haciendas from the king,
  but could inherit the land from their Parents if
  they were Peninsulares.

5
Movement Away from Spain

• The Peninsulares and Criollos were considered
  upper class, and supported the king based on
  their love for the homeland but as time went
  by the Criollos were less connected the 1st
  generation Criollos had parents born in Spain,
  but 2nd and 3rd generations were born in New
  Spain (Mexico) and their affection for Spain
  diminished every generation.

6
Lower classes

• Mestizos - Mixed ancestry blood, could be the
  child of a Peninsulares and a Native Indian
  (forbidden love?)
• Because they had some pure blood they were
  considered above any non-pure-blood person.
• These were the working class people of the
  society, mainly in small towns and communities.
• Mulattos Mixed blood of African Slaves and
  Mestizos rarely ever mixed with Creoles or
  Peninsulares. Took a slightly higher place in
  society because they were not purely slave.

7
Lowest Class

• Captured Aztec , Native Indian Tribes, and Slaves
  from Africa.
• Used for labor with essentially no rights.
• Under Encomienda System, labor was to be
  treated fairly, with shelter, food, and living
  supplies.
• Spain wanted to reduce any chance of over-throw
  by rebellious groups

8
The Colonial Class System
Peninsulares
Creoles
Mestizos
Mulattos
Native Indians
Black Slaves
9
Revolt Begins to Fester..
Stop Here