Question

Explain the Spanish class system used in the American colonies. How did Spanish settlers divide themselves into categories? What rights and privileges did each of these categories receive?

Answer 1

They were divided by the means of race if you born in the colonies you were a Criollo and if you were born in Espana (Spain) you were a Peninsular.  Peninsulars were the high class which held high government and military positions will the Criollo were the working class.