early latin america. european impact on the americas was much more significant than that in...

Early Latin AmericaEarly Latin America


European impact on the European impact on the Americas was much more Americas was much more significant than that in Africa…significant than that in Africa…the Europeans created a new the Europeans created a new civilization in Latin America and civilization in Latin America and extended Western civilization to extended Western civilization to the “New World.”the “New World.”


African independence was very African independence was very different from the growing different from the growing European colonization of the European colonization of the Americas.Americas.

It was this colonization that It was this colonization that brought the Americas into the brought the Americas into the mainstream of world history and mainstream of world history and forever linked the two continents forever linked the two continents into the emerging world economy.into the emerging world economy.

Early Latin AmericaEarly Latin America The The Columbian Exchange Columbian Exchange refers to a refers to a

period of cultural and biological period of cultural and biological exchanges between the New and Old exchanges between the New and Old Worlds. Exchanges of plants, animals, Worlds. Exchanges of plants, animals, diseases and technology transformed diseases and technology transformed European and Native American ways of European and Native American ways of life. life.


Beginning after Columbus' discovery in Beginning after Columbus' discovery in 1492 the exchange lasted throughout 1492 the exchange lasted throughout the years of expansion and discovery. the years of expansion and discovery.

Advancements in agricultural Advancements in agricultural production, evolution of warfare, production, evolution of warfare, increased mortality rates and education increased mortality rates and education are a few examples of the effect of the are a few examples of the effect of the Columbian Exchange on both Europeans Columbian Exchange on both Europeans and Native Americans.and Native Americans.


The natives only had a few animal The natives only had a few animal servants. servants.

They had the dog, two kinds of South They had the dog, two kinds of South American camels, the guinea pig, American camels, the guinea pig, and several kinds of fowls. and several kinds of fowls.

Before the Columbian Exchange the Before the Columbian Exchange the natives had no beast of burden and natives had no beast of burden and did their hard labor entirely on their did their hard labor entirely on their own. own.

Early Latin AmericaEarly Latin America On Columbus’ second voyage in 1493 he On Columbus’ second voyage in 1493 he

brought horses, dogs, pigs, cattle, chickens, brought horses, dogs, pigs, cattle, chickens, sheep, and goats. sheep, and goats.

When the explorers brought the new animals When the explorers brought the new animals across the ocean it introduced a whole new across the ocean it introduced a whole new means of transportation, a new labor form, means of transportation, a new labor form, and a new food source. The animals were and a new food source. The animals were rarely troubled by the diseases the humans rarely troubled by the diseases the humans were. So while the humans died off, the were. So while the humans died off, the animals were thriving on the rich wildlife. animals were thriving on the rich wildlife.


Despite the fact that Spain and Despite the fact that Spain and Portugal sent explorations in Portugal sent explorations in different directions, they began different directions, they began to argue shortly after Columbus’ to argue shortly after Columbus’ first voyage about who first voyage about who controlled the newly discovered controlled the newly discovered lands.lands.

Both looked to the Catholic Both looked to the Catholic Church for guidance. Church for guidance.

Early Latin AmericaEarly Latin America First in 1493, the First in 1493, the

Spanish-born Pope Spanish-born Pope Alexander VI endorsed Alexander VI endorsed an imaginary line an imaginary line drawn through the drawn through the Atlantic from the Atlantic from the North to the South North to the South Pole as the boundary Pole as the boundary for Spanish land for Spanish land claims, allowing Spain claims, allowing Spain all the lands west of all the lands west of the line.the line.


Portuguese King John II protested the line Portuguese King John II protested the line that ran 100 leagues west of the Cape that ran 100 leagues west of the Cape Verde Islands and the Azores, so both Verde Islands and the Azores, so both countries agreed to the countries agreed to the Treaty of Treaty of TordesillasTordesillas (1494). (1494).

The original line of Pope Alexander VI was The original line of Pope Alexander VI was moved another 370 leagues west of the moved another 370 leagues west of the islands.islands.

Length of a league=distance a person or Length of a league=distance a person or horse can walk in an hour (usually 3 miles).horse can walk in an hour (usually 3 miles).


Spain could claim all lands west Spain could claim all lands west of the line and Portugal could of the line and Portugal could claim all lands east of the line.claim all lands east of the line.

This reserved for Portugal the This reserved for Portugal the West African coast and the route West African coast and the route to India while Spain could claim to India while Spain could claim all lands/oceans to the west all lands/oceans to the west (which were unknown at the (which were unknown at the time).time).


Moving the line allowed the Moving the line allowed the Portuguese to claim Brazil when they Portuguese to claim Brazil when they “discovered” it in 1500.“discovered” it in 1500.

As Portugal pushed to India and As Portugal pushed to India and beyond, and the Spanish eventually beyond, and the Spanish eventually “discovered” and explored the Pacific, “discovered” and explored the Pacific, they eventually began to argue about they eventually began to argue about lands on the opposite sides of the lands on the opposite sides of the earth.earth.


The The Treaty of Tordesillas Treaty of Tordesillas was a fateful was a fateful agreement for both Spain and agreement for both Spain and Portugal because it oriented Spain Portugal because it oriented Spain towards the Americas (except for towards the Americas (except for Brazil) and Portugal towards Africa Brazil) and Portugal towards Africa and the Indian Ocean.and the Indian Ocean.

As the Portuguese entered the Indian As the Portuguese entered the Indian Ocean, they encountered well-Ocean, they encountered well-established trade routes and ports established trade routes and ports frequently shared, or controlled by frequently shared, or controlled by many different people.many different people.


When Portuguese ships first rounded the When Portuguese ships first rounded the Cape of Good Hope at the tip of Africa, Cape of Good Hope at the tip of Africa, they first turned their attention to the they first turned their attention to the Swahili city-states, many of which they Swahili city-states, many of which they burned to the ground.burned to the ground.

Since many ports in the Indian Ocean Since many ports in the Indian Ocean were pieces of a loosely connected were pieces of a loosely connected merchant community, the “enemy” merchant community, the “enemy” couldn’t be quickly defeated through a couldn’t be quickly defeated through a blow to a non-existent head of state.blow to a non-existent head of state.


Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists had Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists had little interest in converting to little interest in converting to Christianity that the Portuguese tried Christianity that the Portuguese tried to impose, and despite the violence to impose, and despite the violence the Portuguese dealt, in many ways the Portuguese dealt, in many ways life along the Indian Ocean trade life along the Indian Ocean trade circuit went on as it had for circuit went on as it had for centuries.centuries.


As the Portuguese made more trips As the Portuguese made more trips to India (about once a year), they to India (about once a year), they substituted violence for their lack of substituted violence for their lack of attractive goods to trade.attractive goods to trade.

Da Gama used guns and cannons to Da Gama used guns and cannons to intimidate, and his sailors killed or intimidate, and his sailors killed or tortured many Indian merchants to tortured many Indian merchants to set an example.set an example.


By 1514, the Portuguese had By 1514, the Portuguese had reached the Spice Islands (Indonesia) reached the Spice Islands (Indonesia) and China.and China.

By 1517, Portugal had forts By 1517, Portugal had forts throughout eastern Africa and India.throughout eastern Africa and India.

By 1542, they had reached Japan.By 1542, they had reached Japan.


The Spanish turned toward the New The Spanish turned toward the New World, a place they discovered that World, a place they discovered that after the conquest of two clear after the conquest of two clear enemies—the Aztecs and the Inca—enemies—the Aztecs and the Inca—all would be theirs.all would be theirs.

Thus began the transformation of the Thus began the transformation of the Americas.Americas.


The conquest of the New World was The conquest of the New World was not a unified movement…but rather not a unified movement…but rather a series of individual initiatives that a series of individual initiatives that usually operated with government usually operated with government (Spanish or Portuguese) approval.(Spanish or Portuguese) approval.

The conquest of the Americas was The conquest of the Americas was two pronged: one directed towards two pronged: one directed towards Mexico and the other one aimed at Mexico and the other one aimed at South America. South America.

Early Latin AmericaEarly Latin America The chief goals of the Spanish were gold The chief goals of the Spanish were gold

(Greed) and God.(Greed) and God. The Spanish believed there was vast wealth The Spanish believed there was vast wealth

in the new lands—their appetites whetted by in the new lands—their appetites whetted by the rich ornaments of those they the rich ornaments of those they encountered among groups like the Aztecs.encountered among groups like the Aztecs.

And as the most powerful Catholic state, And as the most powerful Catholic state, soon heavily influenced by the active soon heavily influenced by the active JesuitJesuit order, Spain planned to win new converts to order, Spain planned to win new converts to Christianity.Christianity.

Early Latin AmericaEarly Latin America The Spanish (The Spanish (conquistadorconquistador means means

conqueror) set about their conquest in conqueror) set about their conquest in much the same way they drove the much the same way they drove the Muslims out of the Iberian Peninsula.Muslims out of the Iberian Peninsula.

Expeditions dominated islands of the Expeditions dominated islands of the Caribbean, including Cuba, Puerto Rico, Caribbean, including Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Hispaniola. and Hispaniola.


In 1521 In 1521 CortesCortes and 600 men and 600 men took Mexico took Mexico from the Aztecs.from the Aztecs.


Even though pockets of American Even though pockets of American Indian resistance remained in parts Indian resistance remained in parts of Central America until the later 17of Central America until the later 17thth century, Spanish control was century, Spanish control was essentially complete by 1550.essentially complete by 1550.

By this time, Spain had extended into By this time, Spain had extended into parts of the southern and parts of the southern and southwestern United States.southwestern United States.


The second wave of conquest led the The second wave of conquest led the Spaniards to Panama (Balboa) and Spaniards to Panama (Balboa) and northern South America.northern South America.

The Spaniards took over the northern The Spaniards took over the northern part of the continent easily, part of the continent easily, conquering loosely organized native conquering loosely organized native cultures.cultures.


In 1532-3, In 1532-3, Francisco Pizarro Francisco Pizarro led his men to led his men to the conquest of the conquest of the Inca Empire, the Inca Empire, which was which was already already weakened by a weakened by a long civil war.long civil war.

Early Latin AmericaEarly Latin America From their new base in Peru, the Spanish From their new base in Peru, the Spanish

moved along the Andes mountains, finding moved along the Andes mountains, finding the Amazon River and silver mines in Bolivia.the Amazon River and silver mines in Bolivia.

Spanish expeditions moved into Argentina, Spanish expeditions moved into Argentina, settling Buenos Aires in 1536.settling Buenos Aires in 1536.

Only at the end of the 16Only at the end of the 16thth century did they century did they really begin to colonize Argentina, really begin to colonize Argentina, introducing cattle ranching and agriculture introducing cattle ranching and agriculture once their lust for quick riches diminished.once their lust for quick riches diminished.


Conquest involved violence, domination, Conquest involved violence, domination, and theft. The Spanish conquest of the and theft. The Spanish conquest of the Americas created a series of important Americas created a series of important philosophical and moral questions for philosophical and moral questions for the Europeans.the Europeans.

Theologians and lawyers asked “Who Theologians and lawyers asked “Who were the Indians? Were they fully were the Indians? Were they fully human? Was it proper to convert them human? Was it proper to convert them to Christianity? Could conversion by to Christianity? Could conversion by force or the conquest of their lands be force or the conquest of their lands be justified?”justified?”


Spanish missionaries and church Spanish missionaries and church authorities were often quite critical of authorities were often quite critical of how these settlers treated the how these settlers treated the natives…”natives…”By what right do you keep these By what right do you keep these Indians in such a cruel and horrible servitude? Why Indians in such a cruel and horrible servitude? Why do you keep those who survive so oppressed and do you keep those who survive so oppressed and weary, not giving them enough to eat, not caring weary, not giving them enough to eat, not caring

for them in their illness?”for them in their illness?” (from a Dominican (from a Dominican priest speaking to a Spanish audience priest speaking to a Spanish audience in Santo Domingo in 1511).in Santo Domingo in 1511).


Driven by greed, the conquistadors Driven by greed, the conquistadors argued that conquest was necessary argued that conquest was necessary to spread the gospel and that control to spread the gospel and that control of Indian labor was essential to of Indian labor was essential to Spanish rule. Spanish rule.

In 1548, Juan de Sepulveda, a noted In 1548, Juan de Sepulveda, a noted Spanish scholar, published a book Spanish scholar, published a book claiming the conquests were fully claiming the conquests were fully justified.justified.

Early Latin AmericaEarly Latin America The Spaniards had come to free the The Spaniards had come to free the

Indians from their unjust overlords and Indians from their unjust overlords and to bring them “the light of salvation.”to bring them “the light of salvation.”

Most importantly, he argued, the Most importantly, he argued, the Indians were not fully human, and Indians were not fully human, and some peoples “were born to serve.”some peoples “were born to serve.”


In 1550, Bishop In 1550, Bishop Bartolome de Las Bartolome de Las CasasCasas presented the king an opposing presented the king an opposing view.view.

Early Latin AmericaEarly Latin America Before the king (Charles V), Bishop de Before the king (Charles V), Bishop de

Las Casas said that the Indians were a Las Casas said that the Indians were a rational people, who, unlike the Muslims, rational people, who, unlike the Muslims, had never done harm to Christians.had never done harm to Christians.

Therefore the conquest of their lands was Therefore the conquest of their lands was unjustified.unjustified.

The court was horrified as de Las Casas The court was horrified as de Las Casas related his related his A Short Account of the A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies Destruction of the Indies (written 1542).(written 1542).

Early Latin AmericaEarly Latin America He argued that “the He argued that “the

Indians are our Indians are our brothers and Christ brothers and Christ has given his life for has given his life for them.”them.”

Spanish rule to spread Spanish rule to spread Christianity was Christianity was justified, but justified, but conversion should take conversion should take place only by peaceful place only by peaceful means.means.


In the end, the Spanish crown ruled that the Indians must be treated better.

Unfortunately, it was too little too late and since the New World was far from Spain, change came very slowly.

The great conquests were essentially over by the 1570’s.


In barely more than a century, the In barely more than a century, the Spanish had leveled the leading Spanish had leveled the leading native civilizations, destroying their native civilizations, destroying their political structures and obliterating political structures and obliterating their formal cultures.their formal cultures.

Even so, many native villages were Even so, many native villages were untouched by a Spanish or untouched by a Spanish or Portuguese presence for decades.Portuguese presence for decades.

Early Latin AmericaEarly Latin America The keys to this The keys to this

success were success were diseases, superior diseases, superior technology (gun technology (gun powder weapons, powder weapons, metal swords, metal swords, horses), and horses), and internal native internal native weakness from weakness from civil wars and civil wars and dissent.dissent.


But beyond this shared belief in But beyond this shared belief in mercantilism, the various colonial mercantilism, the various colonial societies that developed in the societies that developed in the Americas differed greatly from each Americas differed greatly from each other, reflecting the differences of the other, reflecting the differences of the cultures and policies of the colonizing cultures and policies of the colonizing power.power.


These colonial societies were also These colonial societies were also shaped by the density and shaped by the density and urbanization of the native population urbanization of the native population (Mesoamerican/Andean vs. sparse (Mesoamerican/Andean vs. sparse North American).North American).

A third factor was whether these A third factor was whether these societies became based on settler-societies became based on settler-dominated agriculture, slave-based dominated agriculture, slave-based plantations, ranching, or mining.plantations, ranching, or mining.

Early Latin AmericaEarly Latin America Within a century (and well before the British Within a century (and well before the British

established colonizing in North America) the established colonizing in North America) the Spanish in Mexico and Peru had established Spanish in Mexico and Peru had established nearly a dozen major cities; several impressive nearly a dozen major cities; several impressive universities; hundreds of cathedrals, churches, universities; hundreds of cathedrals, churches, and missions, an elaborate bureaucracy, and a and missions, an elaborate bureaucracy, and a network of regulated commerce.network of regulated commerce.

Early Latin AmericaEarly Latin America Most of the economic Most of the economic

base for this colonial base for this colonial society was in society was in commercial agriculture commercial agriculture (large rural estates) (large rural estates) and in silver/gold and in silver/gold mining.mining.

In both cases, natives In both cases, natives rather than African rather than African slaves provided the slaves provided the labor (it was labor (it was forced/coerced labor). forced/coerced labor).


On this economic base a distinctive On this economic base a distinctive social order developed which social order developed which replicated the Spanish class hierarchy.replicated the Spanish class hierarchy.

At the top were the At the top were the Spanish settlersSpanish settlers, , who were politically and economically who were politically and economically dominant and looking to become dominant and looking to become landed aristocracy.landed aristocracy.

A Spanish official said (1619) A Spanish official said (1619) ““The The Spaniards, from the able and rich to the Spaniards, from the able and rich to the humble and poor, all hold themselves to be humble and poor, all hold themselves to be lords and will not serve (do manual labor).”lords and will not serve (do manual labor).”


Politically they saw themselves, not Politically they saw themselves, not as colonials, but as residents of a as colonials, but as residents of a Spanish kingdom, subject to the Spanish kingdom, subject to the Spanish king, yet separate and Spanish king, yet separate and distinct from Spain itself and distinct from Spain itself and deserving of a large measure of self- deserving of a large measure of self- government.government.

They hated many of the bureaucratic They hated many of the bureaucratic restrictions of the Crown…”I obey but restrictions of the Crown…”I obey but I do not enforce” was a common I do not enforce” was a common slogan of local resistance.slogan of local resistance.

Early Latin AmericaEarly Latin America But the Spanish minority (never more But the Spanish minority (never more

than 20% of the population) was itself a than 20% of the population) was itself a divided community.divided community.

Descendants of the original Descendants of the original conquistadores conquistadores tried to protect their tried to protect their privileges from immigrant newcomers; privileges from immigrant newcomers; Spaniards born in the Americas (Spaniards born in the Americas (CreolesCreoles) ) resented the pretensions to superiority resented the pretensions to superiority of those born in Spain (of those born in Spain (PeninsularesPeninsulares).).


Creoles: Peninsulares

Early Latin AmericaEarly Latin America Below both the Peninsulares and Creoles Below both the Peninsulares and Creoles

on the social scale and creating the most on the social scale and creating the most distinctive feature of the new colonial distinctive feature of the new colonial societies in Mexico and Peru was the societies in Mexico and Peru was the emergence of a emergence of a mestizomestizo, or mixed-race, , or mixed-race, population, the product of unions population, the product of unions between Spanish men and native between Spanish men and native (Indian) women.(Indian) women.


Rooted in the sexual imbalance Rooted in the sexual imbalance among Spanish immigrants (7 men to among Spanish immigrants (7 men to 1 woman in early colonial Peru), the 1 woman in early colonial Peru), the emergence of a emergence of a mestizomestizo population population was facilitated by the desire of many was facilitated by the desire of many surviving Indian women for the surviving Indian women for the security of a Spanish household, security of a Spanish household, where their children wouldn’t be where their children wouldn’t be subjected to the abuse and harsh subjected to the abuse and harsh demands made on the native peoples.demands made on the native peoples.


The Spanish Crown encouraged The Spanish Crown encouraged settlers to marry into elite Indian settlers to marry into elite Indian families (Cortes fathered children with families (Cortes fathered children with two of Moctezuma’s daughters).two of Moctezuma’s daughters).

Over the 300 years of the colonial Over the 300 years of the colonial era, era, mestizomestizo numbers grew numbers grew substantially, becoming the majority substantially, becoming the majority of the Mexican population sometime of the Mexican population sometime during the 19during the 19thth century. century.


MestizosMestizos were largely Hispanic in were largely Hispanic in culture, but Spaniards looked down on culture, but Spaniards looked down on them during most of the colonial era, them during most of the colonial era, regarding them as illegitimate, for regarding them as illegitimate, for many were not born of “proper” many were not born of “proper” marriages.marriages.

Despite this attitude, they eventually Despite this attitude, they eventually were recognized as a were recognized as a distinct social distinct social group and have become a major group and have become a major element in the identity of modern element in the identity of modern Mexico.Mexico.


At the bottom of Mexican and Peruvian At the bottom of Mexican and Peruvian societies were the indigenous peoples, societies were the indigenous peoples, known to the Europeans as the known to the Europeans as the ““IndiansIndians.”.”

Traumatized by “the great dying,” they Traumatized by “the great dying,” they were subjected to abuse and exploitation were subjected to abuse and exploitation as the primary labor force.as the primary labor force.


Many learned Spanish; converted to Many learned Spanish; converted to Christianity; moved to cities to work Christianity; moved to cities to work for wages; ate the meat of cows, for wages; ate the meat of cows, chickens, and pigs; and used plows chickens, and pigs; and used plows instead of digging sticks.instead of digging sticks.


But much that was native survived. But much that was native survived. Maize, corn, and beans remained Maize, corn, and beans remained staples of their diets.staples of their diets.

Christian saints blended with Christian saints blended with indigenous gods, while beliefs in indigenous gods, while beliefs in magic, folk medicine, and magic, folk medicine, and communion with the dead remained communion with the dead remained strong.strong.


Colonial Spanish America became a Colonial Spanish America became a laboratory of ethnic mixing and laboratory of ethnic mixing and cultural change. cultural change.

It was dominated by the Europeans It was dominated by the Europeans to be sure, but with a more fluid and to be sure, but with a more fluid and culturally blended society than the culturally blended society than the racially rigid colonies of North racially rigid colonies of North America.America.


Colonies of Sugar: A very different Colonies of Sugar: A very different kind of colonial society developed in kind of colonial society developed in the lowland areas of Brazil, ruled by the lowland areas of Brazil, ruled by Portugal, and in the Spanish, British, Portugal, and in the Spanish, British, French, and Dutch colonies in the French, and Dutch colonies in the Caribbean.Caribbean.

These areas lacked the great These areas lacked the great civilizations of Mexico and Peru.civilizations of Mexico and Peru.

Early Latin AmericaEarly Latin America Early in the 17Early in the 17thth century the century the

Portuguese began to move inward Portuguese began to move inward from small coastal settlements in from small coastal settlements in Brazil quickly taking control of the Brazil quickly taking control of the vast interior territory and created vast interior territory and created hundreds of plantations.hundreds of plantations.


They also didn’t have the mineral They also didn’t have the mineral wealth (until gold was discovered in wealth (until gold was discovered in Brazil in the 1690’s and diamonds a Brazil in the 1690’s and diamonds a little later).little later).But the Europeans found a very But the Europeans found a very profitable substitute in sugar which profitable substitute in sugar which was in high demand throughout was in high demand throughout Europe.Europe.

Early Latin AmericaEarly Latin America The Europeans used sugar as a The Europeans used sugar as a

sweetener, a medicine, a spice, a sweetener, a medicine, a spice, a preservative, and in sculptured forms preservative, and in sculptured forms as a decoration that indicated high-as a decoration that indicated high-statusstatus


Commercial agriculture in Spanish Commercial agriculture in Spanish held areas was mostly for domestic held areas was mostly for domestic and mining camp consumption.and mining camp consumption.

Sugar-based colonies, on the other Sugar-based colonies, on the other hand, produced almost exclusively hand, produced almost exclusively for export while importing their food for export while importing their food and other necessities.and other necessities.

Early Latin AmericaEarly Latin America For a century (1570-1670) the northeast For a century (1570-1670) the northeast

coast of Brazil dominated the world coast of Brazil dominated the world market.market.

Then the British, French, and Dutch Then the British, French, and Dutch turned their Caribbean colonies to sugar turned their Caribbean colonies to sugar production, breaking the production, breaking the Portuguese/Brazilian monopoly.Portuguese/Brazilian monopoly.

Early Latin AmericaEarly Latin America Sugar transformed Brazil Sugar transformed Brazil

and the Caribbean.and the Caribbean. Its production, which Its production, which

involved both the involved both the growing of sugarcane growing of sugarcane and processing it into and processing it into usable sugar, was very usable sugar, was very labor intensive and labor intensive and occurred in large-scale, occurred in large-scale, industrial type industrial type plantations.plantations.

Early Latin AmericaEarly Latin America Sugar was the Sugar was the first first

global commodityglobal commodity produced for an produced for an international mass international mass market, using capital market, using capital and expertise from and expertise from Europe, with production Europe, with production facilities in the facilities in the Americas.Americas.

Its most characteristic Its most characteristic feature was slave labor.feature was slave labor.


Over 90% of African slaves ended up Over 90% of African slaves ended up in Brazil or the Caribbean (only about in Brazil or the Caribbean (only about 5% ended up coming to North 5% ended up coming to North America).America).

The slaves worked in horrendous The slaves worked in horrendous conditions. The heat and fire from conditions. The heat and fire from the cauldrons (turning sugarcane the cauldrons (turning sugarcane into crystallized sugar) reminded into crystallized sugar) reminded many visitors of scenes from Hell.many visitors of scenes from Hell.


Over worked, under rested , Over worked, under rested , malnourished, slaves died at a rate malnourished, slaves died at a rate of between 5-10% a year…plantation of between 5-10% a year…plantation owners had to constantly import new owners had to constantly import new slaves.slaves.

The use of African slave labor gave The use of African slave labor gave the sugar colonies a very different the sugar colonies a very different ethnic and racial makeup than that ethnic and racial makeup than that of the Spanish colonies.of the Spanish colonies.


After three centuries of colonial rule, the After three centuries of colonial rule, the a substantial majority of racial makeup a substantial majority of racial makeup of Brazil and the Caribbean was at least of Brazil and the Caribbean was at least partially of African descent.partially of African descent.

In Haiti, by 1790, that number was 93%.In Haiti, by 1790, that number was 93%. The term The term MulattoMulatto was used to refer to was used to refer to

someone of mixed African/European someone of mixed African/European heritage.heritage.


Cross-racial unions accounted for only Cross-racial unions accounted for only about 10% of all marriages, but the about 10% of all marriages, but the use of mistresses and informal use of mistresses and informal relationships between Indians, relationships between Indians, Africans, and the Europeans created Africans, and the Europeans created substantial racial mixing. substantial racial mixing.

In Brazil, there emerged over 40 In Brazil, there emerged over 40 separate and racially mixed groups, separate and racially mixed groups, named by the amount of racial mixing.named by the amount of racial mixing.


Was there the kind of racism in Brazil Was there the kind of racism in Brazil that developed in North America? that developed in North America? Not exactly, but racism did exist.Not exactly, but racism did exist.

White characteristics were more White characteristics were more highly prized than black highly prized than black characteristics, and people regarded characteristics, and people regarded as white enjoyed greater privileges as white enjoyed greater privileges and opportunities.and opportunities.


By the end of the 17By the end of the 17thth century, century, competition from the British, French, competition from the British, French, and Dutch in the Caribbean undercut and Dutch in the Caribbean undercut Brazilian sugar exports.Brazilian sugar exports.

Around the same time, adventurers Around the same time, adventurers from Sao Paulo (called from Sao Paulo (called PaulistasPaulistas) ) pushed into the interior, claiming pushed into the interior, claiming more territory for Portugal.more territory for Portugal.

Early Latin AmericaEarly Latin America In 1695, the Paulistas found gold in the In 1695, the Paulistas found gold in the

mountainous interior. Almost mountainous interior. Almost immediately, a gold rush ensued and immediately, a gold rush ensued and thousands of colonists left the coastal thousands of colonists left the coastal towns and plantations in search of gold.towns and plantations in search of gold.

Each year, over 5,000 immigrants from Each year, over 5,000 immigrants from Portugal came to region hoping to find Portugal came to region hoping to find their fortune. their fortune.

More slaves (eventually numbering over More slaves (eventually numbering over 150,000) were used in the mines. 150,000) were used in the mines.

Early Latin AmericaEarly Latin America By the middle of the 18By the middle of the 18thth century, this century, this

region produced over 3 tons of gold a region produced over 3 tons of gold a year, making Brazil the largest gold year, making Brazil the largest gold producer in the Western hemisphere. producer in the Western hemisphere.

This helped open the region to This helped open the region to ranching and farming, and caused Rio ranching and farming, and caused Rio de Janeiro to grow to the point of de Janeiro to grow to the point of becoming the colony’s capital in becoming the colony’s capital in 1763.1763.


Despite opening the interior to Despite opening the interior to settlement, gold caused the settlement, gold caused the expansion of the slave trade, the expansion of the slave trade, the continued displacement of the native continued displacement of the native population, and it caused Portugal to population, and it caused Portugal to lag far behind Western Europe in lag far behind Western Europe in terms of industrial capabilities terms of industrial capabilities (because it could just purchase goods (because it could just purchase goods rather than make them).rather than make them).


In one respect, the colonial empires of In one respect, the colonial empires of the Spanish and Portuguese (and later the Spanish and Portuguese (and later the English and French) had one thing the English and French) had one thing in common: each subscribed to the in common: each subscribed to the economic theory of economic theory of mercantilismmercantilism. .

The theory was based on a The theory was based on a government serving its country’s best government serving its country’s best economic interests by encouraging economic interests by encouraging exports and accumulating bullion exports and accumulating bullion (precious metals like silver and gold). (precious metals like silver and gold).


Precious metals were Precious metals were believed to be the believed to be the source of national source of national prosperity.prosperity.

Colonies provided Colonies provided “closed” markets for the “closed” markets for the manufactured goods of manufactured goods of the mother country, and the mother country, and if they were lucky, if they were lucky, supplied great quantities supplied great quantities of bullion too.of bullion too.

Early Latin AmericaEarly Latin America Even more than the spice trade of Even more than the spice trade of

Eurasia, it was the silver trade that gave Eurasia, it was the silver trade that gave birth to a global network of exchange.birth to a global network of exchange.


The mid-16The mid-16thth century discovery of century discovery of silver deposits in Bolivia (Potosi) and silver deposits in Bolivia (Potosi) and Japan suddenly provided a vastly Japan suddenly provided a vastly increased supply of the precious increased supply of the precious metal.metal.

Spanish America alone produced Spanish America alone produced about 85% of the world’s silver about 85% of the world’s silver during the early modern era.during the early modern era.


In the 1570’s, China consolidated a In the 1570’s, China consolidated a variety of taxes into one tax that her variety of taxes into one tax that her people had to pay in silver.people had to pay in silver.

This sudden new demand caused the This sudden new demand caused the value of silver to skyrocket.value of silver to skyrocket.

It also meant that foreigners with It also meant that foreigners with silver could buy more of China’s silks silver could buy more of China’s silks and porcelains than ever before. and porcelains than ever before.

Early Latin AmericaEarly Latin America The bulk of the world’s silver supply The bulk of the world’s silver supply

ended up in China or elsewhere in Asia ended up in China or elsewhere in Asia as Europeans coveted Asian luxury as Europeans coveted Asian luxury items.items.

The standard Spanish silver coin was The standard Spanish silver coin was known as a piece of eight, and it was known as a piece of eight, and it was used by merchants in North/South used by merchants in North/South America, Europe, India, Russia, and West America, Europe, India, Russia, and West Africa.Africa.


Potosi arose from a barren landscape Potosi arose from a barren landscape high in the Andes. It was a 10 week high in the Andes. It was a 10 week mule trip away from Lima (Peru).mule trip away from Lima (Peru).

At its height of production, the At its height of production, the surrounding city had 160,000 people surrounding city had 160,000 people and was the largest city in the and was the largest city in the Americas (equal in size to London, Americas (equal in size to London, Amsterdam, and Seville).Amsterdam, and Seville).

Early Latin AmericaEarly Latin America Its wealthy European elite lived in Its wealthy European elite lived in

opulent luxury while the native opulent luxury while the native miners worked in such horrendous miners worked in such horrendous conditions, some families held conditions, some families held funeral services when their men funeral services when their men were “drafted” to work in the mines.were “drafted” to work in the mines.


Western penetration of the Americas Western penetration of the Americas from 1492-1800 had two main results:from 1492-1800 had two main results:

1. It created a distinct version of 1. It created a distinct version of Western civilization in North America;Western civilization in North America;

2. It created an essentially new 2. It created an essentially new civilization in South/Central America.civilization in South/Central America.

Because of its size and economic role, Because of its size and economic role, the Latin American civilization was by the Latin American civilization was by far more important in world history far more important in world history during the early modern period. during the early modern period.


Why was there a difference between Why was there a difference between these two outcomes?these two outcomes?

Part of the answer lies in the Part of the answer lies in the differences between Spain and differences between Spain and Portugal, on the one hand, and Portugal, on the one hand, and Britain and northern Europe, on the Britain and northern Europe, on the other.other.


Spain and Portugal were intensely Spain and Portugal were intensely Catholic countries, with a evangelical Catholic countries, with a evangelical missionary movement.missionary movement.

They also, after 1600, were somewhat They also, after 1600, were somewhat removed from the mainstream of removed from the mainstream of European intellectual life.European intellectual life.

Spain didn’t develop a large merchant Spain didn’t develop a large merchant class (which was why Latin America class (which was why Latin America emphasized landed estates instead of emphasized landed estates instead of developing a large scale merchant developing a large scale merchant economy). economy).


Spain and Portugal’s centralized Spain and Portugal’s centralized control discouraged political life in control discouraged political life in the colonies.the colonies.

So Latin America developed with a So Latin America developed with a political tradition, an economy, and a political tradition, an economy, and a social structure very different from social structure very different from its northern neighbor.its northern neighbor.


Latin America also developed a Latin America also developed a different racial balance from that of different racial balance from that of the northern English colonies.the northern English colonies.

North American Indians were less North American Indians were less organized than those of organized than those of South/Central America, so their role South/Central America, so their role in shaping the culture or social in shaping the culture or social structure wasn’t great.structure wasn’t great.


In Latin America, especially in Central In Latin America, especially in Central America and in the Andes region, the America and in the Andes region, the culture and values of the native Indians culture and values of the native Indians played (and continues to play) an played (and continues to play) an important role in the region’s culture.important role in the region’s culture.

The rise of a large The rise of a large mestizo mestizo population, population, virtually unknown in the more racially virtually unknown in the more racially conscious English colonies, was another conscious English colonies, was another difference.difference.


The Latin American civilization resulted The Latin American civilization resulted from, in part, a fusion of Western and from, in part, a fusion of Western and Indian peoples and social constructs; it Indian peoples and social constructs; it also had a much larger African slave also had a much larger African slave contingent.contingent.

North America saw a more North America saw a more straightforward extension of Western straightforward extension of Western values over small, mostly poorly treated values over small, mostly poorly treated and segregated Indian and African and segregated Indian and African minorities.minorities.


From these early differences, Latin From these early differences, Latin America followed a dissimilar historical America followed a dissimilar historical path than North America.path than North America.

Even though both struggled for Even though both struggled for independence from their colonizers at independence from their colonizers at about the same time (Latin America was about the same time (Latin America was inspired by what happened inspired by what happened herehere), the ), the resulting political features and economic resulting political features and economic bases of both regions was different. bases of both regions was different.


The new United States quickly joined The new United States quickly joined Western Europe in industrialization, Western Europe in industrialization, while Latin America remained much while Latin America remained much more dependent in the world economy.more dependent in the world economy.

Latin America continues to be largely a Latin America continues to be largely a producer of unprocessed goods that producer of unprocessed goods that depends on cheap labor (so large depends on cheap labor (so large middle classes haven’t developed in middle classes haven’t developed in most places).most places).

early latin america. european impact on the americas was much more significant than that in...

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