Viceroys: Spanish Rule

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IV. Viceroys (pp. 97 – 98)
A. The viceroy was the Spanish Crown’s personal representative and was supposed to establish symbolic proximity to Spanish rule (pp. 97). 1. He lived in a palace with indigenous servants and escorts to meetings. 2. The first was Antonio de Mendoza, sent by Charles I to New Spain.
B. The viceroy was responsible for general administration of the territory he was issued (pp. 97 – 98).
1. His duties included tax collection, public works maintenance, public protection, indigenous protection, and patronage (pp. 97).
2. The viceroy’s abilities were, however, constrained by various high-ranking officials, who would write to the Spanish Crown regarding the viceroy’s activities.
a. As a result, viceroy’s received frequent …show more content…

They saw the New World not as their home, but as a place to serve for a period before going home.
d. Despite constraints, viceroy patronage was a frequent problem.
C. Each audiencia also had an executive head that acted as a president-governor (98).
1. Following raids by English ships, such as that of Sir Francis Drake, these appointed president-governors were mostly military officials.
2. Like the viceroys, this was not their home, but rather a tour of duty. D. Important Quotes
1. “Their [audiencia executive heads] usual intention was to return to Spain with their earnings rather than to invest permanently in local production” (pp. 98).
a. This quote helps differentiate viceroys and audiencia heads from more local officials who had a vested economic and social interest in the success of the colony.
b. It also demonstrates how the major colonial authorities were chosen principally for their connection to Spain, helping them maintain Spanish control without developing the local ties other administrative officials experienced.
V. Native Sons, Radicados, and Outsiders (pp. 98 – 99). A. Native sons were officials serving in the region in which they were born (pp. 98).
B. Radicados were those who had been born elsewhere but had become deeply involved in local society (pp.

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