Social Hierarchy and Discrimination:
* Peninsulares: Born in Spain, they held the highest positions in society, enjoying privileges and power. They were seen as superior to Creoles, who were often excluded from high-ranking positions in government and the military.
* Creoles: Born in Spanish America to Spanish parents, they were considered second-class citizens despite their wealth and education. They were often frustrated by the lack of opportunities and the feeling of being treated as inferiors.
Economic Inequality:
* Peninsulares: They controlled most of the land, businesses, and trade, accumulating immense wealth while exploiting the resources of the colonies.
* Creoles: While many Creoles were wealthy landowners or merchants, their economic opportunities were limited by the Peninsular monopoly on key positions. They resented the economic drain on their region and the lack of control over their own affairs.
Political Power:
* Peninsulares: Held all the top positions in government, military, and the church, effectively controlling all aspects of colonial administration.
* Creoles: Excluded from these positions, Creoles lacked political influence and were unable to advocate for their interests or challenge the existing system. This frustration fueled their desire for independence.
Enlightenment Ideas and Nationalism:
* The Enlightenment ideals of liberty, equality, and popular sovereignty resonated with Creoles, who began to question the legitimacy of Spanish rule and embrace the idea of self-governance.
* The growing sense of Creole identity and the realization of their unique cultural contributions to Spanish America fostered a desire for independence and a separate identity.
Examples of the Rivalry:
* Conspiracy of the Equals: This 1809 plot in Quito, Ecuador, revealed the growing resentment among Creoles towards the Peninsular elite.
* The Cabildo of Buenos Aires: This city council in Argentina, dominated by Creoles, openly challenged the authority of the Spanish viceroy during the Napoleonic Wars, showing their willingness to take control.
The Legacy of the Rivalry:
* The rivalry between Creoles and Peninsulares laid the groundwork for the revolutions for independence in Spanish America. The Creoles, driven by a combination of social frustration, economic inequality, and political ambition, ultimately led the fight for independence.
* After independence, the tension between these groups remained, leading to further conflicts and instability in newly formed nations.
In summary, the rivalry between Creoles and Peninsulares in Spanish America was rooted in deep social, economic, and political inequalities. The Creoles' desire for greater autonomy, driven by Enlightenment ideals and their growing sense of identity, eventually led to the explosive fight for independence.