After conquests ended and settlements were built, who stood atop the social hierarchy in Spanish America?

Question

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Peninsulares, or those born in Spain, stood atop the social hierarchy in Spanish America. Criollos, who were people of Spanish descent but born in the colonies, were often below them in terms of social status. Mestizos, who were of mixed Spanish and Native American ancestry, were lower still. Conquistadores and Aztec chiefs were not part of the social hierarchy in Spanish America after settlements were established.

After Conquests Ended and Settlements Were Built, Who Stood Atop