ABSTRACT
The colonial period in Latin America lasted just over 300 years and would be impossible to describe even broadly in a few pages. This chapter aims to examine two broad themes: (1) What, in a quite practical way, is meant by "colonialism" in Latin America in the 1500s, 1600s, and 1700s? (2) What features and influences of colonial times have carried over into, and helped to form, the Latin America of today? One of the remarkable features of Latin American colonial history is that governments were set up and actually worked, despite forbidding difficulties. In view of the work burden and harsh treatment to which native Americans were subjected by the conquerors, it might seem contradictory that Roman Catholic evangelism was one of the two main motives for the conquest and settlement of Latin America. The Portuguese were, on the whole, less concerned than the Spanish with making natives into Christians.
