In the described Latin American colonial class system, which group formed the aristocracy and were born in Europe or of European ancestry?

• A. Criollos
• B. Peninsulares
• C. Mestizos
• D. Mulattos

Answer: (B)

Birthplace and European ancestry defined who held the top level of power in the colonial system. The aristocracy were the Peninsulares—the people born in the Iberian Peninsula (Spain or Portugal) who carried direct ties to the Crown. Because of their birth, they were trusted to govern and to hold the highest offices in colonial administration and the church, giving them privileged status above others. Criollos, though of European descent, were born in the Americas and could rise in wealth and influence but were kept out of the top positions. Mestizos and Mulattos had mixed ancestry and occupied lower ranks within the hierarchy. So, the group that formed the aristocracy and were born in Europe or of European ancestry is the Peninsulares.