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