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América Hispánica by Guillermo Céspedes del Castillo - Exam
Contributed by: Knott
  • 1. América Hispánica by Guillermo Céspedes del Castillo is a profound exploration of the historical, cultural, and social intricacies of Hispanic America, offering readers a rich tapestry of the continent's diverse identities shaped by centuries of colonization, migration, and cultural exchange. Through meticulously researched narratives, the author delves into the legacies of indigenous civilizations, the impact of Spanish colonialism, and the subsequent social and political transformations that have shaped modern Latin American countries. Céspedes del Castillo accentuates the linguistic, artistic, and intellectual contributions of the Hispanic world, illustrating how these elements intermingle to form a unique cultural mosaic. The work serves not only as an academic analysis but also as a passionate call to appreciate the complexity and vibrancy of Hispanic culture, examining modern challenges and aspirations while honoring the rich heritage that continues to influence the region's identity today.

    What is the main focus of Guillermo Céspedes del Castillo's work 'América Hispánica'?
A) The geography of South America
B) Modern political issues in Hispanic nations
C) The historical development of Spanish America
D) A travel guide to Spanish-speaking countries
  • 2. How does Céspedes characterize the Spanish colonial administration?
A) As a system focused on cultural exchange
B) As a primarily military operation
C) As a loose collection of independent states
D) As a highly centralized and bureaucratic system
  • 3. What was a major demographic consequence of the Spanish conquest, as outlined in the book?
A) Complete extermination of native peoples
B) Rapid population growth among all groups
C) Mass migration from Europe to Asia
D) A catastrophic decline in the indigenous population
  • 4. The 'casta' system in colonial society was primarily concerned with:
A) Social hierarchy based on racial ancestry
B) Religious piety and devotion
C) Military rank and achievement
D) Economic class based on wealth alone
  • 5. What role did the Catholic Church play, according to Céspedes' analysis?
A) A minor role with little influence
B) A central role in colonization and cultural transformation
C) The primary economic engine of the colonies
D) A force advocating for indigenous independence
  • 6. The 'Casa de Contratación' was established to:
A) Regulate all trade with the American colonies
B) House indigenous leaders
C) Print currency for the colonies
D) Serve as the viceroy's palace
  • 7. The 'Potosí' mines were significant for their production of:
A) Copper
B) Silver
C) Gold
D) Diamonds
  • 8. What was the 'Treaty of Tordesillas'?
A) An agreement dividing the New World between Spain and Portugal
B) A trade deal with England
C) A charter for the first Spanish colony
D) A peace treaty ending the Spanish conquest
  • 9. Céspedes discusses the 'Black Legend' (Leyenda Negra) as:
A) A secret society within the colonies
B) An indigenous myth about the afterlife
C) A famous novel about the conquest
D) A propaganda campaign exaggerating Spanish cruelty
  • 10. The 'Council of the Indies' functioned as:
A) A meeting of all the viceroys
B) A revolutionary group seeking independence
C) The main administrative body for the colonies in Spain
D) A council of indigenous elders
  • 11. The term 'criollo' (creole) referred to:
A) A Spanish-born peninsulares
B) A person of mixed Spanish and indigenous ancestry
C) A person of Spanish descent born in the Americas
D) A enslaved person from Africa
  • 12. The 'Camino Real' was:
A) A main royal road for transport and communication
B) The king's private hunting ground
C) A council of judges
D) A style of colonial architecture
  • 13. What was the 'mita' system?
A) A method of irrigation
B) A type of colonial tax
C) A forced labor draft of indigenous people
D) A system of elected officials
  • 14. The 'Bourbon Reforms' of the 18th century aimed to:
A) Grant independence to the colonies
B) Increase crown control and economic efficiency
C) Abolish the caste system
D) Expel the Catholic Church
  • 15. The 'Grito de Dolores' is associated with the independence of:
A) Peru
B) Mexico
C) Colombia
D) Argentina
  • 16. The 'Manila Galleon' connected Acapulco to:
A) Spain
B) Florida
C) Peru
D) The Philippines
  • 17. During which century did the Spanish colonization of the Americas primarily begin?
A) 17th century
B) 16th century
C) 15th century
D) 14th century
  • 18. What was a primary economic activity in colonial Spanish America, as discussed by Céspedes?
A) Information technology
B) Mining
C) Textile manufacturing for export
D) Shipbuilding
  • 19. The Viceroyalty of Peru was established after the conquest of which empire?
A) Inca Empire
B) Aztec Empire
C) Muisca Confederation
D) Maya Civilization
  • 20. What was a 'cabildo' in the Spanish colonial system?
A) A merchant guild
B) A cathedral chapter
C) A military fort
D) A town council
  • 21. Which ocean was crossed by Spanish ships on the Manila Galleon trade route?
A) Pacific Ocean
B) Arctic Ocean
C) Indian Ocean
D) Atlantic Ocean
  • 22. Who typically held the highest political authority in a Spanish viceroyalty?
A) The Cabildo leader
B) The Viceroy
C) The Captain General
D) The Archbishop
  • 23. Which city served as the main administrative center for the Spanish Empire in South America?
A) Buenos Aires
B) Lima
C) Bogotá
D) Caracas
  • 24. The 'Audiencia' was primarily what type of institution?
A) A university
B) A legislative assembly
C) A high court
D) A military order
  • 25. The 'repartimiento' system replaced which earlier system?
A) Casta
B) Hacienda
C) Encomienda
D) Mita
  • 26. What was the primary economic system implemented by Spain in its American colonies?
A) Mercantilism
B) Capitalism
C) Feudalism
D) Socialism
  • 27. Which institution played a crucial role in Spanish colonization according to Céspedes?
A) Local indigenous councils
B) Trade unions
C) The Catholic Church
D) The military academies
  • 28. Which European power was Spain's main rival in the Americas during the colonial period?
A) Portugal
B) England
C) Netherlands
D) France
  • 29. Which disease had the most devastating impact on indigenous populations?
A) Typhoid
B) Smallpox
C) Influenza
D) Malaria
  • 30. What was the 'consulado'?
A) A merchant guild
B) A colonial council
C) A type of court
D) A religious order
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