Spanish Conquest of Mexico: Exploration, Colonization, and Impact
The Voyages of Exploration and the Conquest of Mexico
Importance of Voyages Before Conquest
European voyages in search of the Indies, driven by the demand for spices, luxury goods like silk and gems, indirectly advanced geography and cartography. These explorations led to the discovery of lands previously unknown to Europeans, paving the way for the Conquest of Mexico.
Defining a War of Conquest
A war of conquest involves social, cultural, and economic exchange, enriching the conquerors with the resources and wealth of the conquered territory.
Spanish Contributions to Mexican Culture
The Spanish Conquest had a profound and devastating impact on the indigenous people of Mexico. Their world, culture, religion, customs, and values were shattered. While the Europeans introduced scientific advancements, livestock, and agricultural products, they also brought diseases like syphilis and smallpox. This clash of cultures led to the formation of a new society, predominantly mestizo, where the Spanish influence remains evident.
Key Figures in the Conquest
- Isabella of Castile
- Ferdinand of Aragon
- Hernán Cortés
- La Malinche
- Moctezuma
- Cuauhtémoc
- Cuitláhuac
- Pedro de Alvarado
- Charles V
- Antonio de Mendoza
Consequences of Expulsion and the Rise of Absolute Monarchy
Impact of Arab and Jewish Expulsion from Spain
The expulsion of Arabs and Jews from Spain resulted in a significant economic decline. The subsequent conquest of America brought an influx of gold, silver, tin, and copper, temporarily restoring the Spanish crown’s finances. However, this wealth was squandered due to excessive spending and limited investment in industry.
Defining Absolute Monarchy
An absolute monarch holds complete economic, political, social, and religious power, including legislative and judicial authority.
The Role of Religious Orders and Colonial Society
Religious Orders in the Conquest
Evangelization began in 1519 with Bartolomé Olmedo. However, the process was not always peaceful. Pre-Columbian gods and shrines were often destroyed and replaced with Christian symbols. The Franciscans, Dominicans, and Jesuits played key roles in conversion and education, establishing schools and missions.
Main Social Classes of the Colonial Era
- Peninsular Spanish (European immigrants)
- Creoles (children of Spanish born in America)
- Mestizos (mixed white-Indigenous ancestry)
- Indigenous people
- Black people
- Castizos (mixed Spanish and Mestizo)
- Mulattos (mixed Spanish and Black)
Economic Activities Boosting the Spanish Crown
Mining, agriculture, and livestock were the primary economic activities that fueled the Spanish Crown’s economy in the American colonies.
Prominent Figures of Colonial Mexico and the Background of Spain
Major Figures of the Colonial Era
- Antonio de Mendoza
- Fray Juan de Zumárraga
- Bernal Díaz del Castillo
- Fray Bernardino de Sahagún
- Pedro Moya de Contreras
- Fray Vasco de Quiroga
- Don Pedro Romero de Terreros
- Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz
- Juan Ruiz de Alarcón
- Manuel Tolsá
Background of Spain
Spain emerged from a cultural fusion. The fall of Constantinople led to the rise of kingdoms like Catalonia, Galicia, Valencia, Castile, Aragon, León, and Navarra. Jews sought refuge in Spain. The fall of Byzantium disrupted trade routes, leading to the modern era. Muslims settled in Andalusia in 711. The Battle of Tours in 732 halted Muslim expansion into Europe. Spain became a melting pot of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim cultures. The marriage of Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon united key kingdoms. Columbus’s voyage in 1492 marked a turning point.
Pre-Columbian Mexico
Preclassic Period
The Olmec civilization (2500 BC – 200 AD), considered the mother culture, flourished in La Venta (Tabasco), Tres Zapotes, and San Lorenzo (Veracruz). They had a complex religion, hieroglyphic writing, cultivated crops, and engaged in trade.
Classic Period
Teotihuacan had a strong cultural influence, with obsidian trade playing a crucial role. They also processed other volcanic rocks and crafted tools and ornaments.
The Aztecs
The Aztecs migrated from Aztlán around the 12th century. Their practices included human sacrifice to appease the sun god.