Mexico and New Spain

• Mexico is located in the southern part of North America bordered by the United States to the north. It covers an area of nearly 2 million square kilometers, making it the 14th largest country.
• Mexico boasts a diverse climate, from arid deserts to lush tropical forests. This is due to its large size and geographical features like the Sierra Madre mountain ranges
• Mexico is the 10th most populated country, with over 126 million people. Spanish is its official language, reflecting its rich history and cultural heritage
• Long before Spanish arrival, Mexico was home to advanced civilizations like the Aztecs and Mayas. They left behind impressive pyramids, intricate art and deep spiritual traditions that influence Mexican culture to this day
• Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 16th century, leading to the fall of indigenous empires. The Spanish brought their own language, religion and customs, which blended with native cultures to create a unique Mexican identity
• Modern Mexico is a fusion of its ancient roots and Spanish heritage. Examples include the Day of the Dead and the baroque architecture of the cities. It's culture reflects a history of convergence and resilience
• Mexico's flag was created after its independence in 1821, and it symbolizes the nations struggle for freedom and reflects its rich history
• The Mexican coat of arms, a eagle eating a snake on a cactus, is in the middle of the flag, representing an ancient Aztec legend
• The colors of the three stripes symbolize:

  White for purity

  Green for hope and victory

  Red for the blood of national heroes
• February 24th is celebrated as National Flag Day in Mexico, a day of national pride, honoring the history and meaning of the flag
• The Day of the Dead is a joyful celebration taking place the 1st and 2nd of November, where families honor their dead loved ones with colorful altars, sugar skulls and marigold. It celebrates life and remembrance, and is a mixture of Indigenous and Spanish traditions
• Cinco de Mayo conmemorates the Mexican armys victory over France at the battle of Puebla in 1862. It's a day of pride and resilience, celebrated with parades and cultural events, especially in Puebla. It is commonly mistaken for it's independence day
• The Guelaguetza festival is held in Oaxaca, and is a gathering that showcases the regions diverse cultures. It features traditional dance, music and costumes, celebrating the unity and heritage of Oaxaca's eight regions. It occurs in July
• Las Posadas is a nine day series of processions leading up to Christmas, in which participants reenact Mary and Joseph's search for shelter with songs, candles and pinatas. It's a time for communities to come together, reflecting on hospitality and holiday spirit
• Mexican food is a rich blend of native Mesoamerican cooking and Spanish influences. Before Spanish arrival, Aztecs and Mayans used ingredients like corn, beans and chili peppers, which are still staples in their cuisine today
• The Spaniards arrival in the 16th century introduced new foods like rice, beef, pork and chicken and dairy products, especially cheese. These ingredients were mixed with native foods to create the dishes that are part of Mexican cuisine today
• In 1519, Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes arrived in the Aztec Empire. With advanced weapons and a small group of soldiers, he formed alliances with native tribes who opposed Aztec rule. By 1521, Cortes had captured the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan, ending the empire.
• After the fall of the Aztecs, the Spanish began to establish control over the vast territories of present day Mexico and beyond. This territory was named New Spain. It became the base for further conquest and exploration in the Americas, leading to Spanish dominance in the region
• New Spain grew rapidly through the 16th century. The Spanish crown set up a viceroyalty, a type of royal government, to oversee the colony. The viceroy of New Spain governed the territory with the help of local officials and spread Spanish culture, language and religion throughout the land
• In Colonial New Spain, society was structured like a pyramid. At the top were the Spaniards born in Spain, known as peninsulares. Below them were the criollos, Spaniards born in the colonies. Mixed race people, mestizos and mulattos, were further down. At the very bottom were the indigenous and african slaves
• The encomienda system was a labor system where Spanish encomenderos were granted the right to extract labor and tribute from the indigenous people. In return, they were to protect them and teach them Christianity. However, this lead to exploitation and hardship for the indigenous population
• Colonial New Spain's economy was mainly based on mining and agriculture. Silver mining was important and made New Spain very wealthy. Agriculture was also a big part of the economy, with large plantations growing sugar, cacao and other crops that were both consumed locally and exported
• The Spanish introduced their language, customs and laws, reshaping indigenous societies. Traditional governance was often replaced with colonial administration
• Indigenous beliefs mixed with Catholicism creating unique syncretic traditions. Festivals and rituals now included both native and Christian elements
• Missions served as centers of converting natives to Christianity. They also became hubs for cultural exchange and education
• The legacy of colonization did cause cultural loss, but also gave rise to a rich, hybrid cultural heritage
• The viceroy was the kings top official in New Spain. He governed vast territories on behalf of the Spanish monarch, making key decisions and overseeing colonial policies
• The Council of Indies, based in Spain, was the highest authority over New Spain. It created laws, policies and appointed viceroys and judges
• Audiencias were important courts in colonial administration. They provided justice, advised the viceroy, and could govern temporarily if the viceroy was absent
• Local governments, led by governors and mayors, managed day to day affairs in towns and provinces They implemented the viceroys orders and handled local issues
• Indigenous groups often fiercely resisted Spanish conquest. An example being the Aztecs, under the rule of Cuauhtemoch, who fought Hernan Cortes. Even after initial defeats, native communites continued to rebel, like the Maya who resisted for over a century. These uprisings were a testament to the strength and resilience of the indigenous people
• While resistance was common, some indigenous people found ways to adapt to Spanish colonial rule. They adopted new tools and technologies, learned the Spanish language, and converted to Christianity, often blending it with their own beliefs. Through these accomodations, they were able maintain aspects of their culture and identity while navigating the challenges of colonial life