Mexican independence in 1821 marked a new era for New Mexico. The region transitioned from Spanish colony to Mexican territory, bringing changes in governance, trade, and social dynamics. This shift set the stage for increased American influence and the eventual U.S. takeover.

The Santa Fe Trail opened up trade with the U.S., boosting New Mexico's economy. Meanwhile, power structures shifted as Spanish elites lost influence to Mexican-born criollos and mestizos. These changes laid the groundwork for future conflicts and cultural blending in the region.

Mexican Independence and New Mexico

Events Leading to Mexican Independence

• The Bourbon Reforms implemented by the Spanish Crown in the late 18th century aimed to centralize power and increase revenue, leading to growing discontent among criollos (American-born Spaniards) in New Spain
• The Peninsular War (1807-1814) weakened Spain's control over its colonies as Napoleon Bonaparte's invasion and occupation of Spain led to a power vacuum and political instability
• Father Miguel Hidalgo's "Grito de Dolores" on September 16, 1810, marked the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence, which lasted for over a decade
• The Plan of Iguala, signed by Agustín de Iturbide and Vicente Guerrero in 1821, established Mexico as an independent constitutional monarchy, leading to the Treaty of Córdoba and the end of Spanish rule

Impact on New Mexico's Political and Social Structure

• After gaining independence, Mexico established a federal republic in 1824, with New Mexico becoming part of the state of Chihuahua and later a separate territory
• The Mexican government implemented a more lenient trade policy, allowing for increased commerce with the United States via the Santa Fe Trail (established in 1821)
• The secularization of Spanish missions in New Mexico led to the redistribution of mission lands and the decline of the mission system's influence on Native American communities (Pueblos, Navajos, and Apaches)
• The decline of the Spanish-born elite (peninsulares) and the rise of Mexican-born criollos and mestizos in New Mexico's political and social hierarchy occurred during this period

New Mexico Under Mexican Rule

Changes in Government and Autonomy

• Under Mexican rule, New Mexico was initially part of the state of Chihuahua and later became a separate territory in 1824, with a territorial legislature and a governor appointed by the Mexican president
• The Mexican Constitution of 1824 established a federal republic, granting more autonomy to states and territories compared to the centralized Spanish colonial system
• The Mexican government encouraged American immigration to New Mexico through land grants, aiming to populate the territory and create a buffer against Native American raids (Comanches, Apaches)

Economic Developments and Trade

• The opening of the Santa Fe Trail in 1821 facilitated trade between New Mexico and the United States, leading to an influx of American goods and traders
• The decline of the Spanish mission system and the secularization of mission lands led to the rise of the hacienda system, with large landholdings controlled by wealthy Mexican families
• New Mexico's economy remained largely based on subsistence agriculture (maize, beans, squash), sheep herding, and small-scale trade during the Mexican Period
• The Mexican government's attempts to regulate trade and impose tariffs on American goods led to tensions with the United States and contributed to the outbreak of the Mexican-American War in 1846

Ethnic Dynamics in Mexican New Mexico

Shifting Power Structures and Intermarriage

• The Mexican Period saw a decline in the influence of the Spanish-born elite (peninsulares) and the rise of Mexican-born criollos and mestizos in New Mexico's political and social hierarchy
• Intermarriage between Hispanic settlers and Native Americans continued during the Mexican Period, further blurring ethnic boundaries and creating complex family and social networks

Competition for Resources and Land

• The secularization of Spanish missions and the redistribution of mission lands led to increased competition for resources between Hispanic settlers and Native American communities (Pueblos, Navajos, Apaches)
• The Mexican government's policies of encouraging American immigration and offering land grants to settlers led to increased tensions between Hispanic and Anglo-American communities

Navigating the Changing Political Landscape

• Native American groups, such as the Pueblos, Navajos, and Apaches, continued to navigate the changing political landscape, forming alliances and engaging in conflicts with both Hispanic and Anglo-American settlers
• The Revolt of 1837, led by Juan Gonzales, reflected the growing tensions between New Mexico's poor mestizo population and the wealthy Mexican elite, highlighting the complex class and ethnic divisions within New Mexican society