Which group comprised the Spanish-born elite in colonial societies?

The Spanish-born elite in colonial societies were known as Peninsulares. This term specifically refers to individuals who were born in Spain and moved to the colonies in the Americas. They held the highest social status and often occupied the most prestigious political, economic, and religious positions, which allowed them considerable influence in colonial administration.

Understanding this distinction is crucial, as the term Peninsulares reflects the rigid social hierarchy that existed in colonial Latin America, where birthplace and ethnicity significantly impacted an individual's status and opportunities. In contrast, Creoles were individuals of Spanish descent born in the colonies, while Mestizos and Mulattos referred to individuals of mixed European and Indigenous or African descent, respectively, who occupied lower social standings. This classification illustrates the complexities of colonial society, highlighting how origin and racial background influenced power dynamics and social structures.