Question

The Spanish government eventually created a castas (caste) system in its New World colonies. Castas were determined by class, race, and economics as well as one's family lineage. It was not likely that a member of one caste would become part of another. Number the following Spanish colonial castes from 1 to 3 (1 is high) to indicate how many people fit into the system.

1) Mestizos
2) Those of pure Spanish blood
3) Pure blood Indians
4) Africans

Answer 1

The social caste system of the Spanish colonies ranked individuals based on race and ancestry, with pure Spanish blood at the top, followed by Mestizos, pure blood Indians, and Africans. The correct option is 2.

Step-by-step explanation:

The caste system in Spanish America was a rigid social hierarchy intended to maintain Spanish dominance and control within their colonies by classifying people based on their ancestry and racial composition.

The Spanish colonial castes can be ranked as follows:

1. Those of pure Spanish blood (Peninsulas and Creoles)
2. Mestizos (mixed Spanish and Native heritage)
3. Pure blood Indians
4. Africans (including enslaved people and free individuals of African ancestry)

The caste system was reinforced by colonial law and society, and it significantly influenced the socio-economic structure of the colonies. The correct option is 2.