Hacendados were wealthy landowners in colonial Mexico and other parts of Latin America. They owned large estates, known as haciendas, where they cultivated crops and raised livestock. The hacendados played a significant role in the agricultural economy and often held considerable political power in their regions. The term "hacendado" is derived from the Spanish word "hacienda," which refers to a large estate or plantation. These landowners typically employed many workers, including peons, who were often subjected to harsh working conditions. The hacendados' influence declined in the 19th century due to land reforms and social changes.