The differences between the English and Spanish colonies in the new world - Essay Example

The Differences between the English and Spanish Colonies in the World The scramble for territories by European nation began in 15th century. Major Powers in Europe explored the world in an effort to prove their superiority over other nations. These effects lead to the colonization of other regions of the world. The main reason for colonization was the scramble for power and territory. Different European nations deployed different models while colonizing. There was a different approach in terms of administration, culture, social concepts and religion.

The impact of their rule is evident in the new world. The social, political and economic impact of Spanish and British colonies is evident in the modern societies within their colonies. There is need to compare the two colonial masters in an effort to identify differences. Religion played an important role in the administration of the colonial territories. Both masters embraced Christianity. The Spanish rule however integrated Christianity in their administration. On the other hand the British acknowledged Christianity but had no role in administration.

The Spanish rule ensured that Catholic was the only denomination in their territories. The British encourage Protestantism as their form of religion (Elliot 184). Religion in both colonial territories was used as a tool of strengthening their territory as a common agenda made user each territory shared the same religious ideologies. Religion then played an important role in these colonies as it influenced indigenous cultures. The British colonies exercised tolerance as other denominations where allowed into the region (Elliot 186).

The Spanish on the other hand ensured the modern religion was the only religion practices in their territories which were different in British colonies where indigenous culture was tolerated. Administration was an important element in the two territories as it was a tool that differentiated the two colonies in the ‘New World’. According to Lange et al (2006) Spanish colonies experienced direct rule. This meant that rulers where appointed by the royal administration in Spain. The rulers answered directly to Spain any action was to be undertaken with a directive from Spain.

The direct rule was enhanced by the Spanish government to sponsor settlers in their new territories (Strayer, 633). The Imperial companies that enhanced exploration of the ‘New World’ by the British meant that there rule was independent and formed governments different from the royal rule in Britain. The two systems meant that the indigenous individuals where to be the subjects (Strayer 626). The administration ensured that all regions where under their control. In conclusion, the two colonialists influenced the nature in which indigenous people interacted.

The Spanish colonies experienced a different rule from the British colonies in that force was used to rule. The major differences were evident in both administration and religion. Religion in Spanish administration was an important element while the British tolerated religious diversity but exercised their administrative powers over the indigenous individuals. The action defines how the two colonial powers deployed different models while administrating and ruling over their territories. The indigenous communities where given minimal roles both colonies.

The influential nature of the two colonial powers towards the indigenous people was evident as they influenced both culture and religions in their territorial boundaries. Works CitedElliot, John. Empires of the Atlantic World: Britain and Spain in America, 1492-1830. North Yorkshire: Yale University Press, 2007. Print.Lange, Matthew, Mahoney James & Vom Hau Matthias Colonialism and Development: A Comparative Analysis of Spanish and British Colonies. American Journal of Sociology, 111. 5 (2006): pp.

1412-1462Strayer, Robert. Ways of the World, Volume 2: A Global History with Sources. New York: Bedford/ St. Martin’s, 2010. Print.