Mexico--A Place of Three Cultures The complex Mexican Identity--Plaza of 3 Cultures in Mexico City Mexico should be looked at through the lens of 3 different time periods –Pre Hispanic-before 1519 –New Spain –Modern Mexico-1920 to Now

Aztec Empire to Spanish Colony The Aztec arrive and develop a powerful empire by the 1400s. In 1519, the Spanish arrive with Cortez. By 1521, they have defeated the Aztec. Out of the ruin of the Aztec empire, a new one was built – called New Spain.

New Spain--Classes and Land From the very beginning, land ownership has played a huge role in Mexican history – with land comes power. Four classes emerged in the early period of Spanish colonization Peninsulares – born in Spain (Iberian Pen.) Criollos – born in new world, parents Spanish Mestizos – mixed parents (Spanish, native) Natives – no Spanish blood

Encomienda System Land granted to conquistadors, all natives with it. Although landowners on these large haciendas (enormous Spanish estates run as farms, ranches) were supposed to provide for laborers, it actually became more like slavery Landless = powerless

Encomienda System It gave the conquistador control over the native populations by requiring them to pay tribute from their lands, which were “granted” to deserving subjects of the Spanish crown. The natives often rendered personal services as well. In return the grantee was theoretically obligated to protect his wards, to instruct them in the Christian faith, and to defend their right to use the land for their own subsistence.

Slow road to Democracy Revolution of 1810 is between who? The criollos and peninsulares, 1821 – Independent Mexico Still, little changes (land is only partially redistributed). Spanish colony replaced with Mexican dictators. 1910, Mexican revolution (between middle class and ruling class) 1920, new government promises “…land, bread, and justice for all…”

Slow Road to Democracy Land redistribution Wealth redistribution Ejidos (solution for large farms – communal farms that essentially farm on subsistence level 1/3rd of farms are latifundios – large commercial farms owned by few individuals. Landless and Powerless rural people search for other opportunities.

Current Mexican Economy 2/3rd are urban dwellers (Mexico City) Oil reserves Tourism NAFTA has created maquiladoras- - large factories