The Society of Castas
nIndian women suffered sexual exploitation from Europeans and the crown sponsored marriages in a society where there were few European women.
nThe result was mestizo population possessing higher status than Indians.
nA similar process occurred in colonies with large African slave populations.
nAmerican realities had created new social distinctions based on race and place of birth.
nEuropeans were always at the top; African slaves and Indians occupied the bottom.
nMestizos
filled the intermediate categories.
nOver time distinctions grew between Spaniards born in Spain (peninsulares) and the New World (creoles).
nThe latter dominated local economies and developed a strong sense of identity that later contributed to independence movements.
