Historical Foundations and the Independence of New Spain

The Role of Religious Orders and Social Organization in the Viceroyalty of New Spain

During the era of the Viceroyalty of New Spain (Virreinato de la Nueva España), religious orders played a central role in the physical and social development of the territory. These orders were responsible for founding various populations and settlements. One critical function of these religious-led settlements was to provide organized structures that helped the inhabitants survive the devastating smallpox (viruela) epidemics that plagued the region. The concentration of the indigenous population (indios) served several strategic purposes: it was intended to improve the living conditions of the indigenous people and facilitate their integration into Western culture (cultura occidental). This process of settlement and cultural assimilation was a cornerstone of social organization during this period.

Additional elements pertinent to the social and cultural landscape of the Viceroyalty include the documentation and management of religious practices, indigenous groups, and the various trades or occupations (oficios) present in society. There is also mention of emerging political changes and the concept of tolerance (tolerancia) as factors within the evolving social fabric of the colonies.

External and Internal Catalysts for the Independence Movement

The movement toward Mexican independence was driven by a distinct set of external pressures and internal grievances. The external causes included global intellectual and political shifts that challenged the status quo of Spanish rule. Specifically, the Enlightenment (Ilustración) provided the philosophical framework for questioning monarchical authority and promoting individual rights. The successful independence of the $13$ colonies in North America served as a tangible example of colonial liberation, while the French Revolution further spread revolutionary ideals and disrupted European stability.

Internally, the primary catalyst was political and social inequality. A significant point of contention was that the Creoles (criollos)—individuals of Spanish descent born in the Americas—were systematically excluded from holding high-ranking political offices or charges. This lack of political agency among the educated and wealthy Creole class fueled the desire for a government independent of Spanish control.

The Chronological Stages of the Independence Movement

The struggle for Mexican independence is historically divided into four distinct stages, beginning in the early $19th$ century and concluding with the establishment of a sovereign nation. These stages are defined as follows:

1. First Stage: The Beginning (Inicio), which spanned the period from the year $1810$ to $1811$.
2. Second Stage: Organization (Organización), which occurred between the years $1811$ and $1813$.
3. Third Stage: Resistance (Resistencia), which characterized the phase from $1815$ to $1821$.
4. Fourth Stage: Consummation (Consumación), which was achieved in the year $1821$.

Definitions and Theoretical Frameworks of Political Organization

Following the achievement of independence, several models for a new national government were considered and defined as follows:

An Empire is defined as a specific territory characterized by a centralized system of power, which is governed by an individual holding the title of Emperor.

A Centralist Republic is a form of political organization that actively promotes and enforces the centralization of both political and administrative authority, concentrating power within a single national core.

A Federalist Republic is a form of organization distinguished by the union of various sovereign States. This political model is closely associated with Liberal ideologies and seeks to balance power between a central government and its constituent states.

Questions & Discussion

Question $1$: What were the external causes of the independence? Response: The external causes were the Enlightenment (Ilustración), the independence of the $13$ colonies, and the French Revolution.

Question $2$: What were the internal causes of the independence? Response: The internal cause was the political frustration of the Creoles (criollos), as they could not hold political positions.

Question $3$: What were the four stages of independence and in what years did they consist? Response: The four stages consist of: the first stage, Inicio ($1810$-$1811$); the second stage, Organización ($1811$-$1813$); the third stage, Resistencia ($1815$-$1821$); and the fourth stage, Consumación ($1821$).

Question $4$: What is an Empire? Response: It is a territory with centralized power governed by an emperor.

Question $5$: What is a centralist republic? Response: It is a form of organization that promotes political or administrative centralization.

Question $6$: What is a federalist republic? Response: It is a form of organization characterized by the union of States (Liberal).