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Lesson plan of Spanish Colonization: Economy, Politics, Society, Colonial Pact, and Slavery

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Lara from Teachy


History

Original Teachy

Spanish Colonization: Economy, Politics, Society, Colonial Pact, and Slavery

Objectives (5 - 7 minutes)

  1. Understand the Economy, Politics, Society, Colonial Pact and Slavery during the Spanish Colonization:

    • Identify the main characteristics and structures of these aspects.
    • Analyze how they contributed to the development and maintenance of the Spanish empire in America.
  2. Develop analytical and critical skills:

    • Compare the Spanish Colonization with other forms of colonization in America, such as the English and Portuguese.
    • Assess the consequences of these structures in the formation of society and culture in present-day Latin American countries.
  3. Apply the acquired knowledge to practical situations:

    • Relate the aspects studied to the current political and economic reality of Latin America.
    • Foster discussions and reflections on the subject, promoting active student participation.

Introduction (10 - 15 minutes)

  1. Review of previous contents: The teacher begins the class by reminding students about the context of the Great Navigations, the rivalry between the European maritime powers and the conquest of the New World. This review is important so that students can understand the reason for Spanish colonization and what sets it apart from the others.

  2. Problem situation 1: The teacher presents the following question: How did the exploration of gold and silver by the European powers impact the economy and society of Latin America? This question is crucial to understanding the birth of the Spanish colonial system, which was heavily based on mineral exploitation.

  3. Problem situation 2: Then, the teacher presents the following question: How was African slavery introduced and became an essential part of the Spanish colonial system? This question serves to introduce the topic of slavery, one of the most brutal and enduring aspects of Spanish colonization.

  4. Contextualization: The teacher contextualizes the importance of the subject, explaining that Spanish colonization had a lasting impact on Latin America, shaping the economy, society and culture of these countries. In addition, it emphasizes that the consequences of this period are still felt today.

  5. Getting students' attention: The teacher shares two curiosities about Spanish colonization:

    • First curiosity: Spain was the first country to introduce African slavery in America, in 1501, even before Portugal. This contradicts the common idea that slavery in America began with the Portuguese.
    • Second curiosity: The exploration of silver in the mines of Potosí, in present-day Bolivia, was so intense that the region became the largest city in the world in the 16th century, surpassing even Paris and London.

By the end of this stage, students should be prepared to begin their detailed study of Spanish colonization in America, understanding the importance and impact of topics such as economy, politics, society, colonial pact and slavery.

Development (20 - 25 minutes)

  1. Theory - Economy of the Spanish Colonization (5 - 7 minutes)

    • The teacher explains that the economy of the Spanish colonization was based mainly on the exploration of gold and silver.
    • He discusses the mines of Potosí, the largest source of silver in the world at the time, and how the extraction of this precious metal affected both the European and Latin American economies.
    • In addition, the teacher explains the encomienda system, which allowed settlers to receive land and indigenous peoples to work on them in exchange for "protection" and "Christianization".
    • Finally, the teacher discusses mercantilism, the predominant economic policy in Europe at that time, and how it influenced the economy of Spanish colonization.
  2. Theory - Politics and Society of the Spanish Colonization (5 - 7 minutes)

    • The teacher explains that the politics of the Spanish colonization was based on a system of government known as "vice-kingdoms" and "audiences", which were responsible for the administration of the colonies in the name of the king.
    • He also discusses the social stratification in the colony, with the peninsular Spaniards (born in Spain) at the top, followed by the Creoles (descendants of Spaniards born in the colony), the mestizos (descendants of Spaniards and Indians) and, finally, the Indians and African slaves at the bottom.
    • The teacher explains that, despite this stratification, there was some social mobility in the colony, especially for Creoles who, over time, began to claim more autonomy from Spain.
  3. Theory - Colonial Pact and Slavery in the Spanish Colonization (5 - 7 minutes)

    • The teacher discusses the colonial pact, a set of laws and regulations that aimed to keep the colony subordinate to the metropolis.
    • He highlights the importance of the commercial monopoly and the fleet and galleon system, which controlled trade between Spain and America.
    • Then, the teacher addresses the introduction of African slavery in America and how it became an essential part of the economy and society of the colony, especially in sugar cane plantations and mines.
    • Finally, the teacher discusses the slave rebellions and the fight for the abolition of slavery, highlighting important figures such as the quilombola leader Zumbi dos Palmares and the priest Bartolomé de las Casas, defender of the rights of the Indians.
  4. Discussion and Debate (5 - 7 minutes)

    • After presenting the theory, the teacher promotes a class discussion to deepen the knowledge acquired and stimulate students' critical thinking.
    • He can ask students how they think these aspects of Spanish colonization still affect Latin America today.
    • In addition, the teacher can encourage students to compare the Spanish colonization with other forms of colonization in America, such as the English and Portuguese, and to discuss the similarities and differences between them.

By the end of this stage, students should have acquired a good understanding of the economy, politics, society, colonial pact and slavery during the Spanish colonization, as well as be able to critically analyze these aspects and relate them to the current reality of Latin America.

Return (8 - 10 minutes)

  1. Review of key concepts (3 - 4 minutes)

    • The teacher should begin this stage by doing a quick review of the key concepts covered during the class. This includes the economy based on the exploration of gold and silver, the politics and society of the colonial period, the colonial pact and African slavery.
    • For each concept, the teacher can ask students to provide a brief definition or explanation. This not only helps to reinforce learning, but also allows the teacher to identify and correct any misunderstandings.
  2. Connection to practice (2 - 3 minutes)

    • The teacher should then connect the theory learned with practice and real life. For example, he can ask students how they see the influences of Spanish colonization in their countries today, particularly in terms of economy, politics, society and culture.
    • In addition, the teacher can ask students to reflect on how the concepts learned relate to current or recent events in Latin America. For example, they can discuss the persistence of social inequality, the fight for social justice and the collective memory of slavery.
  3. Reflection on learning (2 - 3 minutes)

    • The teacher should encourage students to reflect on what they have learned during the class. This can be done through questions such as:
      1. What was the most important concept learned today?
      2. What questions have not yet been answered?
    • The teacher can ask students to write their answers on a piece of paper or share their reflections out loud with the class. This not only helps to consolidate learning, but also allows the teacher to assess the effectiveness of the class and make adjustments as necessary.
  4. Preparation for the next class (1 minute)

    • Finally, the teacher should inform students about what will be covered in the next class. This may include an introduction to the topic, a summary of the key concepts to be learned, and any assignments or readings that students should complete before class.

By the end of this stage, students should have a clear and comprehensive understanding of the concepts covered during the class, be able to relate these concepts to practice and real life, and be prepared for the next class.

Conclusion (5 - 7 minutes)

  1. Summary of Contents (2 - 3 minutes)

    • The teacher should recap the main points discussed during the class, reinforcing the concepts of economy, politics, society, colonial pact and slavery in the Spanish colonization.
    • He can highlight the importance of these factors in the establishment and maintenance of the Spanish empire in America, as well as their lasting consequences on Latin American society and culture.
  2. Theory-Practice Connection (1 minute)

    • The teacher should emphasize how the class connected theory with practice and real life.
    • He can recall the discussions about the influence of Spanish colonization on the current reality of Latin America, particularly in terms of social inequality, the fight for social justice and the collective memory of slavery.
  3. Extra Materials (1 - 2 minutes)

    • The teacher can suggest extra materials for students who wish to deepen their knowledge on the subject. This may include books, articles, documentaries and reliable websites on the history of Latin America and the Spanish colonization.
    • He can, for example, recommend reading "The Open Veins of Latin America", by Eduardo Galeano, a book that discusses the consequences of colonialism in Latin America.
  4. Importance of the Subject (1 minute)

    • Finally, the teacher should reiterate the importance of the subject for understanding the history and current reality of Latin America.
    • He can emphasize how the study of the Spanish colonization helps to understand the origins of contemporary problems and challenges, as well as potential solutions based on a deeper understanding of the past.

By the end of this stage, students should have consolidated their knowledge on Spanish colonization, understood the importance of the subject and be motivated to continue learning about it.


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