During the 18th century, the different ethnic groups in Latin America were divided according to the caste system. The society was divided into the following castes:
-Peninsulares. These were Spaniards who were born in Europe, held administrative positions in the colony, and returned to Spain afterwards. They formed less than 1 percent of the population but had the most power. Almost all viceroys were peninsulares. Although they held the highest positions, they had to deal with all kinds of restrictions. For example, they were not allowed to own land or large property in Mexico and not marry in the colony, because the Spanish government feared that they would no longer be loyal to Spain.
-Criollos. These were persons of ethnic Spanish descent, but they were born in America. They were the most economically prosperous, but the political top positions were not reserved for them. Peninsulares and criollos were by law the only groups that were allowed to ride horses, wear silk clothing, and had numerous other privileges. For wealthy persons from lower groups it was often possible to be declared white against payment. In the late colonial period, the criollos began to call themselves americanos, and worked under the influence of the Enlightenment for equal rights with the peninsulares. At the outbreak of the Mexican War of Independence in 1810, 18% of the population was criollo.
-The mixing groups were under the criollos. The law had no less than sixteen different racial mixed forms, with the main groups of mestizos (white + Indian), mulattoes (white + black) and zambos (black + Indian). Free blacks also fell under this group. When a person was white for more than 7/8s, he was recognized as a criollo. Differences in prosperity in this group were considerable, some were rich and others were poor. Their duties were similar to those of the criollos, but they had fewer rights. In 1810, 21% of the population belonged to one of these groups, more than half of which were mestizos.
-The fourth and largest group were the Indians. These were one step higher than slaves and were formally protected by crown and church, but in practice the living conditions were very poor. 75% of the Indian children died in the first year of life. Many fell victim to peonage or were forced to work on an encomienda. Descendants of former Indian rulers had a lot better by the way; they could usually stay on and hold local management positions. The highest Indians married in the European nobility and were themselves elevated to the nobility. With 60% of the population, the Indians were the largest group.
-At the very bottom of the ladder were the slaves, who were brought in from Africa. They had to work under dire conditions on estates or in mines. They were almost never concentrated in large groups, so they did not reproduce quickly and their numbers remained limited.
