Overview
This lecture discusses the origins, development, and cultural impact of New Spain, focusing on the Spanish conquest, religious transformation, and the cosmopolitan nature of colonial Mexico.
Spanish Conquest and Formation of New Spain
- New Spain was established as a Spanish viceroyalty after the conquest of the Aztec capital in 1521.
- A viceroyalty is a territory governed by a viceroy who represents the Spanish king.
- Hernán Cortés led the conquest, aided by indigenous groups opposing the Aztecs.
- The Spanish imposed political control and access to natural resources.
Religious and Cultural Transformation
- The Spanish aimed to convert indigenous peoples to Catholicism.
- Early cathedrals, like the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, were built on former Aztec temple sites, often using the same stones and indigenous labor.
- This practice mirrored similar strategies used in Spain, such as building churches within former mosques.
- Christianization was violent and resulted in significant bloodshed, compounded by devastating epidemics like smallpox.
Scope and Economy of New Spain
- New Spain stretched from northern California to Central America and from California to Texas.
- "Colonial Mexico" is often used as a shorthand for the Spanish viceroyalty of New Spain.
- The Spanish extracted resources like gold, silver, and sought new food items including corn, tomatoes, potatoes, chocolate, and cochineal (a red dye).
- Trade routes connected New Spain to Asia (notably via Manila) and to both Atlantic and Pacific markets.
Cosmopolitan Society and Unique Art
- New Spain became cosmopolitan, with European, indigenous, Asian, and African populations.
- Art from New Spain blended indigenous traditions, Spanish influence, and global imports, creating original forms not seen elsewhere.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Viceroyalty — A territory under the rule of a viceroy, representing a monarch.
- Viceroy — The king’s representative who governs a viceroyalty.
- Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption — Main cathedral in Mexico City built over the Aztec sacred precinct.
- Cochineal — An insect producing a valuable red dye.
- Christianization — The process of converting people to Christianity, often forcibly.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review related maps of New Spain’s territorial extent.
- Study examples of art from colonial Mexico for next class.