The characteristic features of Iberian societies became part of their American familiarity. They were deeply urban and many farmworkers lived in small centers. Masses coming to America sought to become aristocrats holding worked Indian plantations. Strong male-controlled thoughts were replicated in the family life based on encomiendas, large domains worked by Indians. The Iberian custom of slavery and political arrangements came to the New World. Political control in Portugal and Castile was governed by proficient organization of trained judges and lawyers. Religion and the Catholic Church were closely connected to the state. The traders of Portugal and Spain had widespread experience with the trading of slaves and estate farming on
