Spanish Viceroyalty

The Spanish Viceroyalty was a large administrative division established by Spain in the Americas during the colonial period, roughly from the 16th to the early 19th century. It was governed by a viceroy, who acted as the king’s representative, overseeing political, military, and economic affairs to ensure Spanish interests. Viceroyalties helped Spain manage distant territories efficiently, facilitating resource extraction, information flow, and control over indigenous populations. Notable viceroyalties included New Spain (Mexico), Peru, and Río de la Plata. This system shaped the political and cultural development of Latin America during colonial rule.