What did peninsulares do?

Peninsulares were Spaniards born in Spain who held important positions in the Spanish colonies in the Americas. They held high offices in church and state, often served as colonial governors or military administrators, and owned many mines and large agricultural estates (haciendas).

Peninsulares often viewed Creoles (American-born descendants of Spaniards) as inferior and denied them opportunities for advancement in government and the church. As part of the ruling class of the colonies, they made policies, issued ordinances, and managed finances. Overall, the role of peninsulares was multifaceted, combining elements of governance, economic control, and influence within colonial societies.