The colonization of New Mexico by the Spanish spanned a whole century, beginning in 1598 up to 1700 (Morgan, 2013). Just like the colonization by other forces, Spain was motivated by a host of factors that could only be provided by New Mexico at that particular time. The role of land was a significant factor for consideration by the Spanish. First, it is important to note that towards the end of the 16 th century, Europe was experiencing a significant surge in its population. Therefore, there was an increasing desire for extra land for the occupants of powers such as Spain (Trujillo, 2010). Moreover, the land in New Mexico was rich in minerals, a factor that would provide Spain with the much-required resources to remain at the top. Other than the desire for material wealth such as land, the Spanish felt that it was their obligation to spread Christianity in the New Mexico region (Barrett, 2015).
The research will, however, center on the issue of land and how it promoted the fast colonization of New Mexico during the specified period. In summarizing the desire of the Spanish people, Morgan (2013) quotes the words of Luis de Velasco, “To explore the lands Coronado had seen superficially, to locate suitable sites for towns, and above all, to look for mines.” Based on the theme, the following research questions were developed:
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To what extent did overpopulation in parts of Europe contribute to the colonization of New Mexico?
What role did the quest for silver play in agitating the desire of the Spanish to colonize New Mexico?
To what degree was land a space and, at the same time, an economic entity to the Spanish authorities seeking to exploit New Mexico?
Why is the desire for land regarded as a superior factor for the colonization of New Mexico compared to the other drivers?
Reference
Barrett, E. M. (2015). The Spanish Colonial Settlement Landscapes of New Mexico, 1598-1680. UNM Press.
Morgan, B. (2013). The History of New Mexico. Central New Mexico Community College (CNM)
Trujillo, M. L. (2010). Land of disenchantment: Latina/o identities and transformations in northern New Mexico. UNM Press.
