How did the conquest impact the class structure in Mexico and Peru?

The conquest drastically altered the class structure in Mexico and Peru, introducing a European hierarchy and marginalising indigenous populations.

The Spanish conquest of Mexico and Peru in the 16th century brought about significant changes in the class structure of these regions. Prior to the conquest, both societies had their own complex social hierarchies. In Mexico, the Aztecs had a well-defined class system with nobles, commoners, serfs, and slaves. Similarly, the Incan society in Peru was divided into nobility, priesthood, artisans, and farmers. However, the Spanish conquest introduced a new, European-style class system that was largely based on race and birthplace.

At the top of this new hierarchy were the Peninsulares, those born in Spain. They were followed by the Creoles, people of Spanish descent born in the New World. Next were the Mestizos, people of mixed Spanish and indigenous descent, and the Mulattos, those of mixed Spanish and African descent. At the bottom of the social pyramid were the indigenous people and African slaves, who were considered the lowest class and were often subjected to harsh treatment and exploitation.

This new class structure was enforced through a system known as the 'encomienda'. This was a legal system that was used by the Spanish to control the indigenous populations in the Americas. It allowed the Spanish to extract labour and tribute from the indigenous people, in exchange for protection and Christian education. However, in practice, this often resulted in severe exploitation and abuse.

The introduction of this new class system had profound effects on the societies of Mexico and Peru. It led to the marginalisation and oppression of the indigenous populations, who were stripped of their lands and forced into servitude. It also created a society that was deeply divided along racial and ethnic lines, with the Spanish and their descendants enjoying the most privileges and power. This legacy of inequality and division has had lasting impacts on the societies of Mexico and Peru, and continues to shape their social and political landscapes to this day.