The Inca Empire and Latin America are comparable due to their similar location but different time periods in which they were successful. After reading “The Lost City of the Inca,” by Hiram Bingham and the textbook sections on Latin America, it is clear that both had similar class structures with some differences. The ruling and lower classes had an unequal distribution of power and wealth. The absolute power of the ruling class led to tragic conditions including slavery, which resulted in the deaths of thousands, and diminished the rights for the peasants, who never were able to participate in how the government was run or managed.
Similarities between the Incan and Latin American class structures included a small population in the elite ruling class which consisted of wealthy landowners and a significantly larger lower class consisting of poor peasants who worked on estates. As a result, these governments were dominated by rich civilians who enacted laws and rules to meet their own wants and needs, without any considerations for the peasants. In both …show more content…
The Inca Empire was ruled by an emperor called the Sapa Inca, with the position passed from father to son. The Sapa Inca chose the viceroys who were usually relatives. In contrast, Latin America was ruled by an emperor for certain periods of time, but was also ruled by a culmination of dictators, presidents, and military leaders as nations struggled to maintain a stable government and economy. These Latin American positions were based on heritage instead of relatives. For example, the citizens with the highest authority were the Peninsulares who were Spanish born settlers, followed by the Creoles who were American born settlers with Spanish descendants. The lowest classes were the Native Americans and the Africans who had no rights or power, and were often used as