Notes for Political Organization in Spanish and Portuguese America - IB | RevisionDojo
Political Organization in Spanish and Portuguese America Notes
The Viceroyalty System was the primary administrative structure used by the Spanish Crown to govern its vast overseas empire, particularly in the Americas and the Philippines. These large territories, called "viceroyalties," were ruled by a viceroy who acted as the direct representative of the Spanish king.
Viceroyalty System (Spain)
Spain divided its American empire into viceroyalties (large regions) to make governing easier.
A viceroy acted as the king’s representative, overseeing law, order, and taxes.
The first viceroyalties were New Spain (Mexico, 1535) and Peru (1542); later New Granada and Rio de la Plata were added.
Viceroys relied on local officials and councils but ultimate power came from Spain.
Captaincy System (Portugal)
Portugal used the captaincy system in Brazil.
The land was divided into strips, each given to a Portuguese noble (a captain).
Captains were responsible for settling, defending, and exploiting their land, but many failed because of poor resources.
Eventually, the Portuguese crown took tighter control, turning Brazil into a royal colony.
Habsburg Rule (Spain, 1500s–1700)
Spain’s empire in the Americas grew under the Habsburg kings.
They relied on viceroys and councils (like the Council of the Indies) to control distant colonies.
The empire was highly centralized: decisions came from Spain, though enforcement was often weak in practice.
Heavy reliance on silver from the Americas fueled Spain’s European wars.
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Note
The Viceroyalty System was Spain's method of governing its vast American empire. This system divided the territories into large administrative regions called viceroyalties, each ruled by a viceroy who acted as the king's representative.
The first viceroyalties were New Spain (Mexico, 1535) and Peru (1542)
Later additions included New Granada and Rio de la Plata
Viceroys had broad powers but were ultimately accountable to the Spanish crown
DefinitionViceroyaltyA large administrative region in the Spanish colonial empire, governed by a viceroy who represented the king.
AnalogyThink of a viceroyalty like a modern-day state or province, but with much more power concentrated in the hands of the governor (viceroy).
