Spanish Women in Colonial America

When the Spanish came into the Americas they came as explorers with dreams and expectations of building homes, families and lives in this new land.

Family life was based heavily around the role of the woman. Women maintained the family structure that allowed for many children and dominance over native populations. Religiion was a central aspect of family life and provided a focal point for values in the era of the Spanish Inquisition.

Families were large and, by forcing the natives into a role of servitude, the needs of the children and family unit as a whole were answered. Women provided the basic foundations, rearing the children and maintaining the servants. Men were the source of financial security in Colonial Spain and agriculture was the prime occupation along with the sxploitation of native lands and properties.

Spanish women had few choices in life. They could choose a life of marriage and family or go to the church to live a cloistered life. Often this decision was forced upon them at a very young age. Prearranged marriages were common. The woman or girl could choose to marry the person who sought her hand in marriage or they could flee to the church which aided them to avoid the pressure of marrying someone they did not want. Outside of religious teachings and the knowledge necessary to function in the home, basic skills were kept out of the range of women.

Because of the mix of European, natives and African slaves gave rise to the Latino and Hispanic populations of Central and South America. The strong Catholic influence of Spain played an instrumental role in Latin American culture. That culture remains strong and it's strength increases daily.

Hi, my name is Mary and this is my first time to blog. This should be fun!!!