1. Peninsulares: These were people born in Spain or Portugal who had migrated to the colonies. They held the highest positions in government, military, and the Church. They were considered superior to all other groups due to their European origins and often had the most wealth and power.
2. Criollos: These were people born in the colonies to Spanish or Portuguese parents. They were often educated and wealthy, but they lacked the same political and social rights as the Peninsulares. They resented the dominance of the Peninsulares and often led movements for independence.
3. Mestizos: These were people of mixed European and indigenous ancestry. They were generally considered to be lower in status than the Peninsulares and Criollos, but they could rise in society through education, wealth, or marriage.
4. Indigenous People: Indigenous people were often subjected to forced labor, discrimination, and violence. They were considered to be at the bottom of the social hierarchy and had little power or influence.
5. African Slaves: Africans were brought to the colonies as slaves and were at the very bottom of the social hierarchy. They faced extreme exploitation and cruelty.
Important Notes:
* This is a simplified representation of a very complex system. There were many variations and exceptions to these general rules.
* The social hierarchy was constantly evolving, with new groups emerging and the relative status of existing groups shifting over time.
* The position of women in this hierarchy was also complex. Women of all races and ethnicities were generally subordinate to men, but there were exceptions.
It's crucial to remember that the social hierarchy in Spanish and Portuguese colonies was a system of power and oppression that privileged European-born individuals and marginalized indigenous people and African slaves.