El Virreinato del Perú

Introduction to the Viceroyalty Era

Overview of the Viceroyalty Period

• The discussion begins with a recap of previous historical periods: pre-Inca, Inca, and the Conquest, leading into the focus on the Viceroyalty era.

• The arrival of Spanish settlers led to significant negative changes for the Incas, including exploitation by conquistadors and indigenous resistance against Spanish rule.

Indigenous Resistance and Internal Conflicts

• The Incas recognized Spanish abuses and decided to confront them, achieving initial victories that marked an end to indigenous resistance during this period.

• Notable conflicts arose among Spanish conquistadors themselves, particularly between Almagristas and Pizarristas over territorial disputes and wealth distribution.

Establishment of Viceroyalty

Transition from Conquistador Rule to Viceroyalty

• Following internal strife among conquistadors, Spain intervened by sending soldiers to assert control over its territories in America.

• In 1542, King Carlos I (later known as Carlos V) enacted new laws establishing the Viceroyalty of Peru, appointing a viceroy as the highest authority in Peru.

Geographic Scope and Governance

• The Viceroyalty encompassed modern-day Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, and Panama; Lima served as its capital.

• A total of 40 viceroys governed Peru throughout this period; Blasco Núñez de Vela was noted as the first viceroy while José de la Cerda was mentioned as the last.

Social Organization within the Viceroyalty

Hierarchical Structure

• Society under the viceroyalty was stratified: Spaniards held top positions followed by Criollos (children of Spaniards born in America), Mestizos (children of Spaniards and Indigenous people), Indigenous peoples themselves at third place, and finally enslaved Africans and Mulattos at the bottom.

Cultural Contributions from Spain

• The Spanish influence introduced significant cultural elements such as language (Spanish became official), writing systems, Catholicism as a dominant religion, along with various livestock like chickens and cows which contributed to local cuisine.

Economic Activities During the Viceroyalty

Key Economic Sectors

• Agriculture thrived alongside mining activities which were central to economic development during this period.