In 3–5 sentences, assess the effect of Spanish colonization on the traditions and customs of Latin America’s Indigenous people over time.

1 answer

Spanish colonization had a significant impact on the traditions and customs of Latin America's Indigenous people over time. The Spanish brought their language, religion, and cultural practices, leading to the decline or even erasure of many indigenous languages, beliefs, and rituals. The forced labor and enslavement of indigenous people also disrupted their social norms and hierarchical structures, while intermarriage and assimilation with the Spanish further diluted their indigenous cultures. However, some aspects of indigenous traditions managed to survive and blend with Spanish influences, creating a unique mestizo culture that still exists today.