In this essay, the objective is for you to illustrate how hierarchies have shaped the relationships between different groups of people in regions of New Spain's northern frontiers, Mexico's Northern Borderlands and the U.S. Southwest from the late-15th century (late-1400s) to the mid-19th century (mid-1800s). You will show historical examples of how different groups of people had more power than other groups of people or less power than other groups, and how that either helped or harmed various communities.
-interpret or explain how and why these hierarchies helped or harmed with EVIDENCE.
-onsider the identities of the groups or individuals that were ranked in these various societies or historical moments?
In other words, consider the personal identities of these individuals or groups in the past based on factors such as:
Race
ethnicity/culture
social class
gender
religious beliefs
political beliefs
nationality or tribal affiliation
economic status
occupation
SOURCE: Zaragosa Vargas - Crucible of Struggle_ A History of Mexican Americans
Full Answer Section
Another example of a hierarchy is the caste system that was established in New Spain. The caste system was a complex system of social stratification that was based on race, ethnicity, and occupation. The caste system divided people into different groups, and each group had different rights and privileges.
How hierarchies helped or harmed various communities
Hierarchies helped and harmed various communities in a number of ways. On the one hand, hierarchies helped to maintain social order and stability. They also helped to ensure that certain groups of people had access to resources and opportunities. For example, the Spanish peninsulares had access to the best land and jobs, while the indigenous peoples were forced to work in mines and on plantations.
On the other hand, hierarchies also harmed various communities. They led to discrimination and exploitation. For example, the indigenous peoples were often forced to convert to Christianity and to adopt Spanish customs. They were also subjected to violence and abuse.
The identities of the groups or individuals that were ranked in these various societies or historical moments
The identities of the groups or individuals that were ranked in these various societies or historical moments were based on a number of factors, including race, ethnicity/culture, social class, gender, religious beliefs, political beliefs, nationality or tribal affiliation, economic status, and occupation.
For example, the Spanish peninsulares were at the top of the hierarchy because they were white, European, and Christian. They also had access to wealth and power. The indigenous peoples were at the bottom of the hierarchy because they were non-white, indigenous, and pagan. They also lacked wealth and power.
Conclusion
Hierarchies have played a significant role in shaping the relationships between different groups of people in regions of New Spain's northern frontiers, Mexico's Northern Borderlands, and the U.S. Southwest from the late-15th century to the mid-19th century. Hierarchies have helped and harmed various communities in a number of ways. They have led to discrimination and exploitation, but they have also helped to maintain social order and stability.
Evidence from the source
The source, Zaragosa Vargas's Crucible of Struggle: A History of Mexican Americans, provides a number of examples of how hierarchies helped and harmed various communities in regions of New Spain's northern frontiers, Mexico's Northern Borderlands, and the U.S. Southwest from the late-15th century to the mid-19th century.
For example, Vargas describes how the Spanish colonizers established a system of racial and social stratification that gave them preferential treatment over the indigenous peoples. Vargas also describes how the caste system divided people into different groups with different rights and privileges.
Vargas also describes how hierarchies harmed various communities. For example, Vargas describes how the indigenous peoples were forced to convert to Christianity and to adopt Spanish customs. Vargas also describes how the indigenous peoples were subjected to violence and abuse.
Overall, Vargas's source provides a clear and concise overview of how hierarchies shaped the relationships between different groups of people in regions of New Spain's northern frontiers, Mexico's Northern Borderlands, and the U.S. Southwest from the late-15th century to the mid-19th century.
Sample Answer
Hierarchies have shaped the relationships between different groups of people in regions of New Spain's northern frontiers, Mexico's Northern Borderlands, and the U.S. Southwest from the late-15th century to the mid-19th century in a number of ways.
Historical examples of hierarchies
One example of a hierarchy is the system of racial and social stratification that was established by the Spanish colonizers. At the top of the hierarchy were the Spanish peninsulares, who were born in Spain. Below them were the Spanish creoles, who were born in the colonies but had Spanish parents. Next were the mestizos, who were of mixed Spanish and indigenous descent. At the bottom of the hierarchy were the indigenous peoples and the enslaved Africans.