1. Social Hierarchy and Discrimination:
* Peninsulares: Born in Spain, they held the highest positions in colonial society, monopolizing top government, military, and church roles. They were considered superior and often looked down upon Creoles.
* Creoles: Born in Spanish America, they were descendants of Spanish settlers but were denied access to the highest positions of power. This created a sense of frustration and resentment.
2. Economic Inequality:
* Peninsulares: Controlled most of the wealth, benefiting from the mercantilist system that favored Spain. They often exploited Creole labor and resources.
* Creoles: Were limited in their economic opportunities. While some became successful merchants or landowners, their wealth was often dwarfed by the Peninsulares.
3. Political Exclusion:
* Peninsulares: Held all the major political offices and were appointed by the Spanish Crown. Creoles were often excluded from any meaningful participation in government.
* Creoles: Began to demand greater autonomy and representation in colonial affairs. They felt that their contributions to the colonies deserved greater recognition.
4. Ideals of Enlightenment and Revolution:
* Creoles: Influenced by Enlightenment ideas of liberty, equality, and popular sovereignty. They began to question the legitimacy of Spanish rule and the absolute monarchy.
* Peninsulares: Remained generally loyal to the Spanish crown and resisted any attempts to challenge its authority.
5. Growing Nationalism and Identity:
* Creoles: Developed a distinct American identity, separate from Spain. They began to see themselves as a new generation with unique interests and aspirations.
* Peninsulares: Maintained a strong connection to Spain and considered themselves the true representatives of Spanish interests in the colonies.
6. Spanish Mismanagement and Reforms:
* Peninsulares: Often implemented policies that were seen as detrimental to Creole interests, such as increased taxes and restrictions on trade.
* Creoles: This mismanagement and insensitivity further fueled resentment and led them to question the benefits of remaining under Spanish rule.
7. The Napoleonic Wars:
* Peninsulares: Spain was embroiled in wars against Napoleon, weakening its control over the colonies.
* Creoles: This created an opportunity to challenge Spanish authority and pursue independence, as the Spanish crown was distracted by its own problems.
In Conclusion:
The rivalry between Creoles and Peninsulares in Spanish America was a long-standing conflict fueled by social, economic, and political inequalities. The ideals of the Enlightenment, coupled with Spanish misrule and the weakness of the Spanish crown, provided the necessary impetus for Creoles to rise up and fight for independence. This struggle eventually led to the formation of independent nations in Latin America, marking a major shift in the power dynamics of the region.