The Olmec, Maya, Toltec, Zapotec, Mixtec, and Aztecs are ancient Indian civilizations which comprise the DNA of the people of Mexico. These ancient cultures built great cities and made much progress in agriculture, science and created magnificent works of art. In 1517, the Spanish came to this new land to
search for natural resources and to colonize it. The Aztecs Indians were ruling the land of Mexico and its land mass was far larger than it is presently. In three years, the Spaniards conquered all of Mexico through a disciplined military, horses, canons, and indigenous spies from other indigenous tribes. Also, the Spaniards brought a new disease, smallpox, against which the Aztecs had no immunity; many indigenous people died from the disease.
The Aztecs called the country, Mexico, but the Spaniards, as conquerors, called the land New Spain and set up a rigid class structure. Economically, the ex-patriot Spaniards ruled. Few indigenous people were wealthy. The transplanted Spaniards won large land holdings, filled important government posts, and dominated commercial enterprises. The Spaniards who were born in the colony were next in importance. They were wealthy but allowed to hold only minor government posts. The mestizos who worked as supervisors, storekeepers, soldiers, or parish priests formed the third rung of the class system. At the bottom of the social order were the indigenous Indians who labored in mines or large estates in the capacity of essentially slaves.
For 300 years New Spain was ruled as a colony. Its primary commercial resources were silver and agriculture. The Indians introduced the Spaniards to tomatoes, corn, cacao (source of chocolate) which were previously unfamiliar to Spain. The Spanish introduced the indigenous population to sugarcane, wheat, and large-scale cattle and sheep raising.
When Napoleon conquered Spain, he placed his brother on its throne. This began the Mexican independence movement. Primarily the mestizos and a priest, Miguel Hidalgo y Castilla had enough of this outside rule which demeaned the original people. Father Hidalgo became the first revolutionary leader. On September 16th, 1810, he rang the church bell for the people to assemble, and he formally called for a revolution to free Mexico from Spain. The priest was captured and executed in 1811; however, the revolution continued, no doubt influenced by the American revolt against England 34 years previously. Subsequent leaders lead the battle for liberation. A decade after the ringing of the bell, in 1821, Mexico won its liberation from Spain.
Every September 16th, Mexico celebrates the date on which Father Hidalgo first rang the church bell to call the people of Mexico to fight for their freedom. Our neighbor’s battle for freedom is reminiscent of
our nation’s fight for freedom. In the history of both countries, we learn that independence, freedom, liberty require continuous diligence to acquire and maintain. Isn’t the privilege of freedom worth the unending labor?
Reflections
Mexican and Hispanic: Research the difference in these two cultures.
What is Cinco do Mayo?
What are some ways in which Independence Day in Mexico will be celebrated?
Name two traditional Mexican foods that you have eaten or heard of. Find a Mexican restaurant and enjoy a delicious meal.
Dorothy Watson Tatem, D. Min., ACC
Senior Associates
Next Step Associates, LLC
Cassandra W. Jones, Ed.D.
CEO & President
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