# The Spaniards — The Wealth of Nations character guide

> The Spaniards in The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** the Spaniards, The Spaniards, Their, themselves, their

**First appearance:** 0058-i-of-the-motives-for-establishing-new-colonies

## Who they are

Spanish people as colonial and economic example.

## In the story

### [II: Of the Produce of Land Which Sometimes Does, and Sometimes Does Not, Afford Rent](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wealth_of_nations_se/chapters/ii-of-the-produce-of-land-which-sometimes-does-and-sometimes-does-not-afford-rent)

Mentioned in the example of the discovery of the Spanish West Indies and their interaction with the inhabitants of Cuba and St. Domingo.

### [I: Of the Principle of the Commercial or Mercantile System](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wealth_of_nations_se/chapters/i-of-the-principle-of-the-commercial-or-mercantile-system)

Used as an example of a nation that equated wealth with gold and silver upon discovering America.

### [VI: Of Treaties of Commerce](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wealth_of_nations_se/chapters/vi-of-treaties-of-commerce)

Referenced in the context of the late war, where Spain and France pressured Portugal to exclude British ships.

### [Of the Motives for Establishing New Colonies](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wealth_of_nations_se/chapters/i-of-the-motives-for-establishing-new-colonies)

The Spanish are portrayed as the primary colonizers motivated by a 'sacred thirst of gold,' leading expeditions to Mexico, Peru, and other regions.

### [II: Causes of the Prosperity of New Colonies](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wealth_of_nations_se/chapters/ii-causes-of-the-prosperity-of-new-colonies)

Noted for their oppressive colonial policies, including expensive ceremonials, high taxes, and monopolistic trade restrictions.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wealth_of_nations_se/characters/the_spaniards
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wealth_of_nations_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wealth_of_nations_se/characters