American History on the Colonial Period
Survey of Latin American History on the Colonial Period. Prepare clearly articulated responses to all questions outlined below. Please write full sentences in a coherent narrative that address the major issues covered in class through readings, lectures, and discussions. Observe proper grammar.
Basic but Tricky
1. What is the difference between mestizo and casta? [10 points]
2. What is the difference between a riot and an insurrection? [10 points]
Data Analysis
4. Using the slave voyages database below, compare data for twenty-five slave ships that travelled from Africa to Latin America between 1755 and 1757. Focus on either Brazil OR the Caribbean, not both. The response for this question should consist of two parts. The first part is a narrative paragraph where you summarize your findings addressing the following questions: Did one nation control the slave trade in the area? What were the principal departure ports (town/city AND country)? What were the principal destination ports (town/city AND country)? What nations and kingdoms participated in selling slaves in the Americas? What was the average cargo size at departure? What was the average cargo size at arrival? What was the average cargo loss? The second part consists of a table that includes the raw data you collected. The table needs to breakdown the data of your twenty-five voyages. [30 points]
Critical Reasoning – Select ONE question [30 points]
5. What issue did José de Alfaro prioritize in his lawsuit against the Spanish woman, Doña Theresa de Bravo, and her husband? Why? Explain the facts of the case (Who? What? Where? When?); contextualize your answer, and include one casta painting as part of your analysis (see link below for options).
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Casta_paintings
6. What is the relationship between Cristobal de Villalpando’s View of the Plaza Mayor (1695) seen below, Carlos de Sigüenza y Góngora’s Letter to Admiral Pez, and the moral economy? A copy of the letter, which we read and discussed in class, is uploaded to D2L under Age of Revolutions.
7. Discuss a modern-day issue/event/cultural activity that has its roots in Latin America’s colonial past (1492-1820s). How is the issue/event/cultural activity remembered? Provide an explanation of the way it relates to any aspect covered in class during the semester. What aspect of your issue/event/activity is highlighted in contemporary society and what is omitted? [20 points]
