Introduction

Question 1

Impact of the colonial system: Mexico, Peru

Answer 1

Mexico: 50-90% killed
Peru: 82million 1540-1800

Question 2

What was the colonial system?

Answer 2

• A system of institutionalised forced labour
• collaboration between the crown and the church
• Indigenous ‘providers’ of labour ‘receivers’ of faith

Question 3

Bartolomé de las Casas, “In Defense of the Indians” (1550)

̶ Why is de las Casas’ writing this text?

Answer 3

To appeal to Spanish sense of religious duty + support Indian self-determination and rights

Question 4

How is de las Casas depicting the indigenous population?

Answer 4

Capable of self governance, but also meek and ‘simple…’

Question 5

How is de las Casas depicting the Spanish conquistadores?

Answer 5

Violent + unchristian

Question 6

Bartolomé de las Casas, “In Defense of the Indians” (1550)

Answer 6

‘War is not a suitable means for spreading christ’s glory and the truth of the gospel, but rather for making the christian name hateful and detestable to those who suffer the disasters of war.’

Question 7

What were the Bourbon & Pombaline reforms (1759-1808)?

Answer 7

Administrative, economic and military reforms by the spanish (bourbon) + portugese (pombaline) crown aimed at tightening imperial control over colonies and increasing £

Question 8

What did the Bourbon & Pombaline reforms (1759-1808) do?

Answer 8

1. centralisation & rationalisation
2. broke tax monopolies
3. reorganised tax collection
4. expelled the jesuits

‘second’ colonialisation (short term)

BUT also sowed the seeds of rebellion by introducing new ideas on commerce, politics and philosophy…

Question 9

What were the causes that led to the outbreak of the Túpac Amaru rebellion?

Answer 9

1.Bourbon Reforms (further taxing, exploitation)

2.Harsh Exploitation & Labour (economic coercion, abuse, displacement)

3. Inequality (marginalisation of inca nobility, discrimination, legal inequality, land dispossession)
4. Corruption and abuse
5. Enlightenment and legalist discourse

Question 10

What was the role of race/Inca culture in the Túpac Amaru rebellion?

Answer 10

Ideological/Symbolic

• Unifying force, belief in Inca culture
• Ideological foundation, enduring power of inca symbolism

Question 11

What were the consequences of the Tupac rebellion?

Answer 11

1. Harsh repression, increased control (Tupac executed in 1781)
2. Supression of Inca identity and culture (erasing cultural symbols, banning clothing and language)
3. Deepening racial divide and creole fears (fear towards indigenous communities)
4. Legacy of resistance/inspiration (symbol of indigenous resistance, celebrated and fevered in nationalist/revolutionary movements)