Question

During the Bourbon Era, why did the creole elite adopt Enlightenment ideas?

a) To preserve traditional monarchies
b) To resist foreign imperialism
c) To support absolute rule
d) To advocate for colonial independence

Answer 1

The creole elite adopted Enlightenment ideas during the Bourbon Era to assert their own authority and power within the colonial system.

Step-by-step explanation:

During the Bourbon Era, the creole elite adopted Enlightenment ideas to justify their desire for more social and political authority. These ideas influenced creoles in Latin America to demand the right to participate more fully in politics and the economy, which was largely controlled by Spain. However, their demands for participation were limited to White males of Spanish descent, excluding native and mixed-race populations.

The creoles' anger over the creation of the intendancy system and the reserved highest military positions for peninsulares also contributed to their adoption of Enlightenment ideas. By adopting these ideas, the creole elite sought to challenge the Spanish monarchy's control and assert their own authority and power within the colonial system.