Final answer:
The creole elite, consisting of people of Spanish descent born in the American colonies, took control of Central and South America after achieving independence from Spain.
Step-by-step explanation:
The social class that took control of Central and South America once they achieved independence from Spain was the creole elite. The creoles were people of Spanish descent who were born in the American colonies. They resented the political power held by the peninsulares (people born in Spain) and the economic restrictions imposed by Spain.
During the period of transition to independence, the creoles, along with other nationalist groups, formed juntas (self-governing bodies) and established representative governments in various cities like Caracas, Buenos Aires, and Bogota. These creole-led movements aimed to overthrow Spanish colonial rule and establish independent nations. Figures like Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín led military operations to achieve and spread independence throughout the region.
However, it is important to note that despite achieving independence, social hierarchies and inequalities persisted in the newly formed nations, with power often being consolidated by local military chieftains and wealthy creole landowners.