Economic Prosperity of Peru
In 1532 the Spanish soldier and adventurer Francisco Pizarro conquered the Inca Empire, creating a catalyst for the creation of a new colonial society. Steve Stern discusses the manner in which the indigenous peoples of Huamanga met the challenge of European conquest in his piece entitled, "Peru's Indian Peoples and the Challenge of Spanish Conquest". When the conquistadors first arrived, there appears to have been a mutual attraction and dependency between the Spaniards and indigenous peoples. Stern cites for example that the military skills of the Spaniards intrigued the native aristocracy, the kurakas, and helped local Andean society recognize their new "masters". Besides this element of respect, the local societies of Huamanga saw an alliance with the Spaniards as an efficient way to break from Inca rule and to "protect and advance their o
Also, the colonial economy caused tensions to rise as cultural groups, once allied with each other, began to counter one another. However, the New Laws were never put into effect. Native discontent with the Spaniards continued and expanded. His method of administration consisted of a major government of Spanish officials ruling through a minor government made up of Native Americans who dealt directly with the native population. Early relations displayed an uneasy mixture of force, negotiation, and alliance (34). As in most cases, when there is an ongoing struggle for power, violence is practically inevitable. As the Spanish rule continued, the relationship between the Spaniards and the indigenous peoples worsened. Although Toledo eventually retreated to the highlands, his programs continued to effect the peoples of Peru as prosperity grew. In the midst of this ongoing crisis, Don Francisco de Toledo came to power. Indians were extremely open to the Spaniard's influence and way of life at first. It was expressed in a decade of growing withdrawals from alliance and cooperation (69). Stern mentions labor as one of the elements of civilization that caused negative effects. Overall, despite the economic prosperity of Peru, colonial relationships were plagued with hostility and aggression as fear and disillusionment were imposed in the indigenous peoples by the Spaniards.
Common topics in this essay:
Spanish Conquest,
Native Americans,
Don Francisco,
Americans Laws,
Steve Stern,
Inca Empire,
,
indigenous peoples,
Francisco Pizarro,
spaniards indigenous,
labor force,
stern mentions,
native americans,
spaniards indigenous peoples,
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