5.3 Early Spanish settlement and administration

The Spanish colonization of Mexico brought massive changes. After conquering the Aztecs, Spain quickly set up New Spain as its first mainland American colony. They established a viceroyalty system to govern, with the viceroy acting as the king's representative.

To control their new territory, the Spanish created various administrative institutions. These included the audiencia (high court), cabildos (town councils), and regional administrators called alcaldes mayores. They also implemented economic systems like encomiendas to exploit indigenous labor.

Colonial Administration

Establishment of New Spain and Viceroyalty

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• New Spain established as first colonial territory in mainland Americas encompassed present-day Mexico and parts of North America
• Viceroyalty system implemented to govern New Spain on behalf of Spanish monarch
• Viceroy served as personal representative of the king with broad executive, judicial, and military powers
• Antonio de Mendoza appointed as first viceroy of New Spain in 1535 initiated policies to consolidate Spanish rule
• Viceregal administration focused on maintaining order, collecting taxes, and promoting economic development

Administrative Institutions and Local Governance

• Audiencia functioned as high court of appeals and advisory body to the viceroy
• Audiencia members (oidores) appointed by the king to provide checks on viceregal power
• Cabildo (town council) managed local affairs in Spanish settlements
• Cabildo responsibilities included urban planning, public works, and enforcing local ordinances
• Alcalde mayor served as regional administrator overseeing multiple towns and indigenous communities

Economic Systems

Encomienda System and Labor Exploitation

• Encomienda system granted Spanish colonists (encomenderos) rights to indigenous labor and tribute
• Encomenderos required to provide protection and Christian instruction to indigenous people under their care
• System led to widespread abuse and exploitation of indigenous populations
• Encomiendas typically included land grants and control over specific indigenous communities
• New Laws of 1542 attempted to reform encomienda system and improve conditions for indigenous people

Development of Colonial Economy

• Mining emerged as primary economic activity with silver extraction centered in Zacatecas and Guanajuato
• Agriculture expanded with introduction of European crops (wheat, barley) and livestock (cattle, sheep)
• Hacienda system developed as large agricultural estates employing indigenous and mestizo laborers
• Trade networks established between New Spain, Spain, and other colonies (Manila Galleon trade)
• Emergence of local industries (textiles, pottery) to meet colonial market demands

Urban Development

Construction of Mexico City

• Mexico City built on ruins of Aztec capital Tenochtitlan following Spanish conquest
• Spanish authorities adopted grid layout for city planning influenced by Renaissance urban design
• Major buildings constructed using stones from demolished Aztec structures
• Zócalo (main square) established as center of colonial administration and religious life
• Drainage systems modified to control flooding in former lake bed area

Growth of Colonial Settlements

• Spanish founded numerous cities throughout New Spain to establish control and promote colonization
• Puebla established in 1531 as model Spanish city between Mexico City and Veracruz
• Mining towns (Zacatecas, Guanajuato) grew rapidly due to silver discoveries
• Port cities (Veracruz, Acapulco) developed to facilitate trade with Spain and Asia
• Urban areas became centers of cultural mixing between Spanish, indigenous, and African populations

Religious Influence

Missionary Orders and Evangelization

• Franciscan, Dominican, and Augustinian missionaries arrived to convert indigenous populations to Christianity
• Franciscans established first mission in Mexico City in 1524 led by Fray Pedro de Gante
• Missionaries learned indigenous languages to facilitate evangelization efforts
• Religious orders founded schools and hospitals to serve indigenous communities
• Syncretic religious practices emerged blending Catholic and indigenous beliefs (Virgin of Guadalupe)

Church-State Relations in New Spain

• Catholic Church played central role in colonial administration and social control
• Patronato Real granted Spanish crown authority over church appointments in the Americas
• Religious institutions accumulated significant wealth through land ownership and donations
• Inquisition established in New Spain in 1571 to maintain religious orthodoxy
• Conflicts arose between regular clergy (religious orders) and secular clergy over control of parishes and indigenous communities