Historia del Perú | 10. Virreinato del Perú, Teoría 1

Summary

This historical narrative delves into the era of Spanish colonization in Peru, highlighting the establishment of the Peruvian Viceroyalty by King Charles I in 1542. It discusses the political organization, including the absolute power of the king, the Real Council of the Indies, and the Casa de Contratación de Sevilla. The script emphasizes key figures like Viceroy Toledo, who restructured the administration and economy, and the Real Audiencia, which served as the supreme court and a political authority in the absence of the viceroy. The summary also touches on the division of the Viceroyalty into judicial districts and the creation of new audiencias, reflecting the complex governance during the colonial period.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The script discusses the historical period of Peruvian domination by Spain, specifically focusing on the establishment of the Peruvian Viceroyalty by King Charles I (also known as Charles V).
• 👑 It emphasizes the absolute power of the Spanish king, who was considered to have divine right, with the church playing a role in the coronation and legitimization of the monarch's rule.
• 👥 The script outlines the political organization of the Viceroyalty of Peru, highlighting the institutions both in Spain and in America that governed the colonies.
• 📜 The Real Council of the Indies is mentioned as a key institution in Spain that advised the king on colonial administration and oversaw political and ecclesiastical appointments.
• 💼 The Casa de Contratación de Sevilla is identified as the institution responsible for economic affairs, ensuring the commercial monopoly between Spain and its colonies.
• 🤴 The Viceroy is described as the king's representative in the colonies, holding judicial, administrative, and fiscal powers, and being subject to the 'juicio de residencia' upon the end of their term.
• 👮‍♂️ The script mentions the creation of the Real Audiencia as the judicial body in the Viceroyalty, composed of oidores (judges) and having both judicial and political functions.
• 🛑 The Viceroy Toledo is highlighted as a significant figure in the organization of the Viceroyalty, conducting a general visit to assess resources and implementing systems like the Mita and mining regulations.
• 🛡️ The script touches on the defense of the coastline against pirates and corsairs, an issue that concerned the Viceroy Toledo and led to organizational changes.
• 🏛️ The Tribunal of the Holy Office, also known as the Spanish Inquisition, is mentioned as an institution that arrived in the Viceroyalty with the purpose of maintaining religious orthodoxy.
• 🗺️ The Viceroyalty of Peru is described as being divided into several Real Audiencias, which were judicial districts that imparted justice across the region.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the script?

The main topic of the script is the historical process of Peru, specifically focusing on the period of Spanish domination, including the establishment of the Viceroyalty of Peru and its political organization.

Who was the first form of government in the Spanish colonies in Peru?

The first form of government in the Spanish colonies in Peru were the 'governorships' or 'gobernas', such as the Governorship of New Castilla and the Governorship of New Toledo.

Why were the Laws of the Indies created in 1542?

The Laws of the Indies were created in 1542 by King Charles I (also known as Charles V) to address the failures of the governorship system, which led to civil wars among the invaders and the need for a more organized and stable government structure.

What was the role of the king in the Viceroyalty of Peru?

The king was the absolute ruler in the Viceroyalty of Peru, possessing total power, which was considered to be divinely granted or 'by divine providence'.

How many kings governed the Viceroyalty of Peru, and what were the two ruling dynasties?

Ten kings governed the Viceroyalty of Peru, and they belonged to two ruling dynasties: the House of Austria (Habsburg) and the House of France (Bourbon).

How did the Habsburg dynasty from Austria come to power in Spain?

The Habsburg dynasty from Austria came to power in Spain through a series of strategic marriages and political alliances, starting with the marriage of Catherine of Aragon to Henry VIII of England and the subsequent marriage of Joanna the Mad to Philip the Handsome of Austria.

What was the significance of the Real Council of the Indies?

The Real Council of the Indies was a key institution in Spain that advised the king on the administration of the colonies, proposed political and ecclesiastical positions, and served as the highest court of justice for the colonies.

What was the role of the Casa de Contratación de Sevilla?

The Casa de Contratación de Sevilla was an institution responsible for overseeing the commercial monopoly between Spain and its colonies, setting prices for goods, and serving as a court of justice for disputes between merchants.

Who was the first viceroy of Peru, and what was his significance?

The first viceroy of Peru was Blasco Núñez de Vela. His significance lies in his role in the early governance and organization of the Viceroyalty of Peru.

What was the purpose of the Real Audiencia in the Viceroyalty of Peru?

The Real Audiencia served as the judicial power in the Viceroyalty of Peru, hearing cases and providing justice. It was also composed of oidores, who were judges, and had both judicial and political functions, including replacing the viceroy in cases of absence or death.

Who was the 'great organizer' of the Viceroyalty of Peru, and what were his contributions?

The 'great organizer' of the Viceroyalty of Peru was Viceroy Toledo. His contributions included conducting a general visit to assess the state of Peru, organizing the mita (a labor draft system), the mining industry, defeating the Incas of Vilcabamba, and establishing reducciones (settlements for indigenous people).