History 228 - Conquest to Mestizo Nations

Institution:

Hiram College

Subject:

Description:

Evolving Hierarchies in Latin American History: The subjugation and exploitation of people and resources has been an enduring feature of the Latin American world. The forms of hierarchy that accomplished such exploitation, however, have been immensely variable. When Spanish conquistadors arrived in the New World they were able to engraft themselves atop existing hierarchies erected by Indian peoples. The encomienda and mita systems capitalized on Aztec and Incan tribute systems. These systems, coupled with a slave labor system, built with imported Africans, would allow Spain and other European nations to extract great riches milfrom their New World empires. When Americanos overthrew European rule in the early nineteenth century, colonial class and race hierarchies, nonetheless, endured. White Creoles benefited from the loss of European rule, but the postcolonial world was little different for the broad base of people beneath them. While late nineteenth century liberalism would sweep away some conservative legacies, it would also help bring Latin American countries into neocolonial relations. The United States would come to exert enormous economic and political influence over this region of the New World. The fact that twentieth century waves of nationalism could celebrate the mestizo, that is, mixed race, character of Latin American countries, shows how far these nations had moved beyond their colonial past. And yet, the neocolonial subjugations imposed by their northern neighbor endure.

Credits:

4.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

WWW.HIRAM.EDU

Phone Number:

(330) 569-3211

Regional Accreditation:

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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