What defined Portuguese colonial administration in the New World?

Portuguese colonial administration in the New World was defined by a centralised system of governance, economic exploitation, and religious conversion.

The Portuguese colonial administration was characterised by a centralised system of governance. The Portuguese Crown maintained strict control over its colonies, with the King appointing a Governor-General who was responsible for overseeing the administration of the colonies. This system was designed to ensure that the colonies served the interests of the Portuguese Crown, particularly in terms of economic exploitation. The Governor-General was supported by a council of advisors, who were also appointed by the King. This centralised system of governance was a key feature of Portuguese colonial administration, and it was instrumental in maintaining Portuguese control over its vast colonial empire.

Economic exploitation was another defining feature of Portuguese colonial administration. The Portuguese Crown viewed its colonies primarily as sources of wealth, and it implemented policies designed to maximise economic exploitation. For example, the Crown granted large tracts of land, known as 'captaincies', to Portuguese nobles, who were expected to develop these lands for agricultural production. The Crown also imposed heavy taxes on the colonies, and it monopolised trade with the colonies, thereby ensuring that the wealth generated by the colonies flowed back to Portugal. This focus on economic exploitation was a defining feature of Portuguese colonial administration, and it had profound implications for the development of the colonies.

Religious conversion was also a key aspect of Portuguese colonial administration. The Portuguese Crown saw the conversion of indigenous peoples to Christianity as a moral duty, and it used its colonial administration to promote this goal. The Crown established missions in the colonies, where indigenous peoples were taught Christian doctrine and European customs. This policy of religious conversion was not only a means of asserting Portuguese cultural dominance, but it also served to legitimise Portuguese colonial rule. The Crown argued that it was bringing 'civilisation' to the 'savages', thereby justifying its colonial exploitation.

In conclusion, Portuguese colonial administration in the New World was defined by a centralised system of governance, economic exploitation, and religious conversion. These features were interrelated, and they served to maintain Portuguese control over its colonies, maximise the economic benefits of colonialism for Portugal, and legitimise Portuguese colonial rule.