Spaniards, mainly young, single males, immigrated to the New World and created the Sistema de Castas, a racial hierarchy. Native Americans and former slaves were placed at the bottom, while pure Spanish ancestors were at the top. Despite this hierarchy, racial and cultural mingling, or mestizaje, spread, resulting in a hybrid culture. Mexico's national icon, the Virgen de Guadalupe, came to represent this mestizo society. Due to the absence of abundant resources and powerful Indigenous civilizations, Spain's invasion of North America was less successful. Spanish expeditions traversed the continent, exploring and establishing footholds; nevertheless, their shaky hold on these areas resulted from the brutal treatment of Indigenous populations and the lack of economic potential.Having first concentrated on Africa and Asia, Portugal switched its attention to Brazil with the Treaty of Tordesillas. A unique fusion of African, Native American, and Catholic religious customs resulted from Brazil's high rate of African enslavement and the slave trade, which powered the country's …show more content…
Maryland eventually emerged from the Glorious Revolution as a royal colony. Religion also influenced other colonies, such as Rhode Island and Connecticut. Thomas Hooker led settlements that gave rise to Connecticut after he fled Massachusetts because of congestion. Founded by Puritans such as John Davenport, New Haven was another religious experiment that eventually saw its fortunes decline and it was annexed into Connecticut. Religious revolutionaries like Roger Williams and Anne Hutchinson, both banished from Massachusetts, founded Rhode Island. After the Glorious Revolution, Maryland became a royal colony, while Rhode Island and Connecticut were impacted by religion. Thomas Hooker led Connecticut after leaving Massachusetts due to traffic. New Haven, founded by Puritans, experienced a downturn and was absorbed into Connecticut. Rhode Island was formed by religious insurgents like Roger Williams and Anne Hutchinson. New York remained a culturally distinct colony with persistent Dutch influences. To strengthen English control, Charles II and the Duke of York created new colonies like New Jersey and