The term identifies individuals born in the Americas of European, particularly Iberian, ancestry. These populations developed distinct identities and social hierarchies within colonial societies. For example, in Spanish America, those of Spanish descent born in the colonies were differentiated from peninsulares, who were born in Spain.
This distinction was significant because it influenced political and economic power structures. This group often felt marginalized despite their wealth and education, leading to resentment and, eventually, playing a vital role in independence movements. Understanding their position within the colonial system is crucial to comprehending the motivations behind revolutions in the Americas and the subsequent reshaping of the political landscape.
