creoles

Creoles were white people, from Spanish descendant, born in the New World. They controlled Latin American economies and ranked just below peninsulares, or people born in Spain. Creoles enforced the Christian religion and other Spanish culture upon Native Americans. Slowly the Creoles were introduced to Native crops, and the two groups exchanged ideas. While Creoles thought of themselves as well-bred Spanish Americans, their class was always questioned due to the similarity with mestizos. Nevertheless, Creoles were respected and given high authority in Spanish colonies.

http://worldhistorythomas.wetpaint.com/page/Creole

http://www.britannica.com/hispanic_heritage/article-60877

Created by Christina Oelsner 12/6/08 Edited by Danielle Fishman 12/07/08 Edited by Rachel Mitchell 12/07/08