Final answer:
The Spanish were more tolerant of African slaves, allowing for unique racial mixing in Spanish-American society due to their colonial traditions and the protection offered to indigenous and mestizo workers. Spanish authorities often ruled in favor of indigenous people when they faced injustices caused by Spanish settlers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Unlike the United States, the Spanish were more tolerant of African slaves, which resulted in unique ethnic mixes in Spanish-American society.
One reason for this tolerance was the Spanish colonial tradition of the encomendero, where large landowners employed indigenous and mestizo workers. These workers were often protected and tolerated as long as they paid tribute and pretended to be Catholic.
Additionally, Spanish authorities sometimes ruled in favor of indigenous people when they faced injustices caused by Spanish settlers. This unique approach to race and social hierarchy in Spanish America allowed for a more accepting environment for racial mixing.