The Spanish Empire

The Spanish Empire

Rebecca Wasmund

Chapter 2 - Diego Vasicuio Spanish tried to convert Indians

of Peru to Catholicism Spanish conducted visitas to

find/punish idolaters Indian males took turns serving

in the mita - unfair/brutal labor Catholic church found worship

of Sorimana intolerable Father de Prado forced Diego

Vasicuio to produce the Sorimana guaca

Most likely situation: the idol that Vasicuio produced was not Sorimana, and Sorimana remained hidden.

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Chapter 5 - Francisco Baquero Buenos Aires thrived during 18th

century reforms Master shoemakers agreed to form

a guild Wealthy white merchants favored a

system of racial discrimination within the guild

After lengthy process constitution was adopted that relegated nonwhites to smaller positions

Baquero took cause to royal court in Madrid

White guild ultimately dissolved, and beginning in 19th century nonwhite master shoemakers enjoyed equality with their white counterparts



Chapter 11 - Isabel Moctezuma

Daughter of Moctezuma - Aztec princess - wed to five husbands

Was married to a conquistador at fall of Aztec empire - became “model of Hispanicized Indian womanhood”

Hastened the evangelization of her country

Gave birth to seven children After her death, there was

much litigation over the fact that she (and in turn, her children) was the only legitimate heir to Moctezuma II.



Chapter 13 - Beatriz de Padilla

Beatriz de Padilla was a mulatta, accused of unspeakable acts against two of her lovers

Many witnesses and accusers, but original accusations were launched by jealous relatives

Colored women such as Beatriz enjoyed freedoms that more “respectable” white women could not enjoy

Women such as Beatriz made life easier for other colored women later on in history



Chapter 16 - Miguel Hernandez Miguel was a literate, free

mulatto Was aggressive and

enterprising and owned his own freighting business

Was successful for a man of his race - owned a house, land, and a black slave

Many of his relationships crossed racial and social boundaries

Lived a careful life and avoided traps that caught many mulattos - secret to his success



Chapter 18 - Enrico Martinez Printer originally from

Seville, had traveled and studied in Europe

Was a scientist and writer - liked to hypothesize on scientific topics that interested him

In particular, astrology, which was a dangerous topic to be interested in during the time of the Inquisition

Was hired as chief engineer of drainage works and failed - lost confidence in himself and faith of others



Chapter 20 - Micaela Angela Carrillo

Married, had children, but husband died early

Micaela supported herself and her family by making “pulque” spirit

Distributed some property amongst her children during life, left remaining property to her youngest daughter when she died

Rose from poor woman to landowner

Proof that some women can share male independence and be self sufficient



Manila Galleon Trading ships - sailed

between Manila and Acapulco

Total of 110 ships in the 250 years of trade

Carried spices, porcelain, ivory, silk

Only 2 ships sailed per year Largest ships known to that

time period 4 month journey between

the ports Questions about whether

galleons may have discovered Hawaii



Bartolomé de las Casas Historian, social reformer, and

bishop in the 16th century Spent 50 years advocating for

Indians and against enslaving and abusing them

One of first people to view all humans as universally equal

Early in life he participated in injustices against native peoples, but changed his mind and devoted rest of life to advocating for them

Had a hand in Pope Paul III proclaiming that Indians should be converted peacefully



Viceroyalty of New Spain Viceroyalty of the Spanish

colonial empire Ruled by viceroy in Mexico

City Bourbon reforms - attempt

to end control the bureaucracy had

From 1806 to 1821, much of land either sold to other countries or lost when nations declared themselves independent

Many regions and provinces all over, united by the viceroyalty



Cabeza de Vaca One of four survivors of the

Narvaez expedition Became trader, traveled

from tribe to tribe of natives and developed sympathy for them

10 years later found Spaniards and traveled back to Spain

Eventually returned to America to reestablish the Buenos Aires settlement

Was arrested for poor administration but eventually exonerated



The Black Legend Historical writing that paints

the Spanish Empire as cruel and violent

First contributor: Bartolomé de las Casas

Characterized by exaggeration

Dealt with treatment of individuals during the Spanish Inquisition and treatment of natives during colonization of the Americas

Attempt to do the opposite (debunk myths of cruelty): White Legend



Spiritual

The Spanish Empire