What was the immediate effect of the conquest on local governance in Mexico and Peru?

The immediate effect was the imposition of Spanish colonial administration, replacing indigenous systems of governance in Mexico and Peru.

The Spanish conquest of Mexico and Peru had profound and immediate effects on local governance. The indigenous systems of governance were swiftly replaced by Spanish colonial administration, which was characterised by a hierarchical structure with the Spanish monarch at the top. This was a significant departure from the existing systems of governance, which were more decentralised and based on local tribal or community leadership.

In Mexico, the Aztec Empire had a complex system of governance with an emperor at the top, but also with significant power devolved to local leaders. The Spanish, under Hernán Cortés, dismantled this system and replaced it with a colonial administration. The Spanish Crown appointed a viceroy to govern the colony, who was responsible for implementing Spanish laws and collecting taxes. The indigenous population was subjected to the encomienda system, a form of forced labour, which further eroded their political autonomy.

Similarly, in Peru, the Inca Empire had a centralised system of governance, with the Sapa Inca (emperor) wielding significant power. However, local communities also had a degree of autonomy. The Spanish, led by Francisco Pizarro, overthrew the Inca Empire and established a colonial administration. The Spanish Crown appointed a viceroy to govern the colony, and the indigenous population was subjected to the encomienda system.

The imposition of Spanish colonial administration had significant implications for the indigenous populations of Mexico and Peru. It resulted in the loss of political autonomy and the imposition of foreign laws and customs. The encomienda system, in particular, was a form of exploitation that led to significant hardship for the indigenous population. Moreover, the Spanish colonial administration was characterised by corruption and inefficiency, which further exacerbated the challenges faced by the indigenous population.

In both Mexico and Peru, the Spanish conquest resulted in a dramatic shift in local governance. The indigenous systems of governance, which were based on local leadership and community autonomy, were replaced by a hierarchical colonial administration. This had profound and immediate effects on the indigenous population, who were subjected to foreign laws, exploitation, and corruption.