Spanish Colonies
Definition
Spanish colonies refer to territories that were controlled by Spain outside of Europe from the late 15th century until the early 19th century, primarily in the Americas and Asia.
Analogy
Think of Spanish colonies like branches of a tree. The main trunk (Spain) supports these branches (colonies), which grow fruits (resources) that are sent back to nourish the trunk.
Related terms
Encomienda System: A labor system in Spanish America where natives were forced to work for Spaniards in exchange for protection and Christianization.
Viceroyalties: Administrative divisions created by Spain to govern its colonies.
Creoles: People born in the New World but of pure European ancestry. They often held significant economic power within the colonies.
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