History of Aztec Mexico and New Spain

Unit 1 – Pre-Columbian Mesoamerica: An Introduction

Unit 2 – Aztec Empire's Ascent

Unit 3 – Aztec Society and Religious Culture

Unit 4 – Spanish Conquest of Mexico

Unit 5 – Fall of Tenochtitlan: Aztec to New Spain

Unit 6 – Spanish Colonial Rule in New Spain

Unit 7 – Missionary Activities in New Spain

Unit 8 – Economic Change and Labor in New Spain

Unit 9 – Indigenous Responses to Spanish Colonialism

Unit 10 – Colonial Hybridity in New Spain

Unit 11 – Art and Culture in Colonial Mexico

Unit 12 – Race and Caste in Colonial Mexico

Unit 13 – Colonial Legacy: Conquest to New Spain

## What do you learn in Deep Histories of Conquest: Aztec Mexico and New Spain

You'll explore the complex history of Aztec civilization and its transformation under Spanish rule. The course covers pre-Columbian Aztec society, the Spanish conquest, and the creation of New Spain. You'll analyze cultural clashes, indigenous resistance, and the blending of Aztec and Spanish traditions that shaped colonial Mexico.

## Is Deep Histories of Conquest: Aztec Mexico and New Spain hard?

It can be challenging, especially if you're new to Mesoamerican history. There's a lot of unfamiliar names and concepts to wrap your head around. But most students find it super interesting, which makes the workload feel less daunting. The key is staying on top of the readings and engaging in class discussions.

## Tips for taking Deep Histories of Conquest: Aztec Mexico and New Spain in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram for exams and quizzes. 🌶️
2. Create a timeline of key events from pre-conquest Aztec society through the colonial period.
3. Learn to pronounce Nahuatl names and terms correctly - it'll impress your prof and help you remember them.
4. Watch "Apocalypto" for a (dramatized) look at Mesoamerican culture, but fact-check it afterward.
5. Read "The Broken Spears" for a firsthand indigenous perspective on the conquest.
6. Practice analyzing primary sources like codices and Spanish chronicles.
7. Join a study group to discuss complex topics like syncretism and encomienda systems.

## Common pre-requisites for Deep Histories of Conquest: Aztec Mexico and New Spain

1. Introduction to Latin American History: Covers the broad strokes of Latin American history from pre-Columbian times to the present. It provides a solid foundation for understanding the context of Aztec and colonial Mexican history.

2. World History to 1500: Explores major civilizations and global interactions up to the early modern period. This course helps situate the Aztec Empire within the broader context of world history.

## Classes similar to Deep Histories of Conquest: Aztec Mexico and New Spain

1. The Inca Empire and Colonial Peru: Examines the rise and fall of the Inca civilization and the establishment of Spanish rule in the Andes. It offers a comparative perspective on indigenous empires and colonization in the Americas.

2. Colonialism in the Americas: Analyzes various colonial experiences across North and South America. This course allows students to compare and contrast different colonial systems and indigenous responses.

3. Mesoamerican Archaeology: Focuses on the material culture and archaeological evidence of ancient Mesoamerican civilizations. It provides a deeper understanding of pre-Columbian societies through their artifacts and architecture.

4. History of Mexico: Surveys Mexican history from pre-Columbian times to the present day. This course offers a broader context for understanding how the Aztec and colonial periods shaped modern Mexico.

## Majors related to Deep Histories of Conquest: Aztec Mexico and New Spain

1. History: Focuses on analyzing and interpreting past events, cultures, and societies. Students develop critical thinking skills and gain a deep understanding of how the past shapes the present.

2. Latin American Studies: Examines the cultures, languages, and histories of Latin America from an interdisciplinary perspective. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of the region's diverse societies and their global connections.

3. Anthropology: Studies human cultures, societies, and behaviors across time and space. Students learn about cultural diversity, social structures, and how societies change over time.

4. Archaeology: Investigates human history through the recovery and analysis of material remains. Students learn excavation techniques, artifact analysis, and how to reconstruct past societies from physical evidence.

## What can you do with a degree in Deep Histories of Conquest: Aztec Mexico and New Spain?

1. Museum Curator: Organizes and manages collections of historical artifacts and creates educational exhibits. Curators research and interpret objects to tell compelling stories about the past.

2. Cultural Resource Manager: Protects and preserves historical and archaeological sites. They work with government agencies and private organizations to ensure compliance with preservation laws and regulations.

3. Historical Consultant: Provides expert knowledge on historical topics for various projects and organizations. They might work in film, television, or with publishing companies to ensure historical accuracy in media productions.

4. International Development Specialist: Works on projects aimed at improving economic and social conditions in developing countries. Their historical knowledge helps in understanding cultural contexts and developing culturally sensitive solutions.

## Deep Histories of Conquest: Aztec Mexico and New Spain FAQs

1. Do I need to know Spanish to take this course? While knowing Spanish can be helpful, it's not usually required. Most readings and materials will be available in English.

2. Are there field trips or hands-on components? Some professors organize visits to museums with Mesoamerican collections or incorporate artifact analysis into the curriculum. It varies by institution and instructor.

3. How much focus is there on modern-day impacts? While the course primarily covers historical periods, many instructors draw connections to contemporary issues in Mexico and Latin America. This helps students understand the long-term effects of conquest and colonization.

History

1.1 Geographical and environmental context of Mesoamerica

1.2 Major civilizations and cultural developments

1.3 Political and social structures in pre-Columbian societies

1.4 Trade networks and economic systems

2.2 Founding of Tenochtitlan and early Aztec history

2.1 Origins and migration of the Mexica people

2.3 Imperial expansion and tributary system

2.4 Political and military organization of the Triple Alliance

3.2 Religious beliefs, rituals, and cosmology

3.3 Education, art, and intellectual achievements

3.4 Agriculture, trade, and economic practices

3.1 Social structure and daily life in Aztec society

4.1 Spanish motivations and preparations for conquest

4.2 Hernán Cortés and the expedition to Mexico

4.3 Initial encounters and alliances with indigenous groups

4.4 Military campaigns and strategies of conquest

5.2 Immediate consequences for Aztec society and governance

5.3 Early Spanish settlement and administration

5.4 Indigenous resistance and rebellions

5.1 Siege and destruction of Tenochtitlan

6.1 Political and administrative structures of New Spain

6.2 Legal frameworks and the role of the Catholic Church

6.3 Encomienda system and land distribution

6.4 Early colonial urban development and city planning

7.1 Strategies and methods of evangelization

7.3 Syncretism and indigenous religious practices

7.4 Education and cultural assimilation through missions

7.2 Role of religious orders in colonial society

8.1 Introduction of European agriculture and livestock

8.2 Mining industry and its impact on colonial economy

8.3 Labor systems: encomienda, repartimiento, and slavery

8.4 Trans-Atlantic trade and the colonial economy

9.1 Survival strategies and cultural persistence

9.2 Legal and political negotiations with colonial authorities

9.4 Demographic changes and population recovery

9.3 Indigenous intellectual and artistic responses

10.1 Mestizaje and the creation of new ethnic identities

10.2 Development of creole culture and identity

10.3 Gender roles and family structures in colonial society

10.4 Urban and rural life in New Spain

11.4 Material culture and everyday objects

11.1 Baroque art and architecture in colonial Mexico

11.2 Indigenous influences on colonial art forms

11.3 Literature and intellectual life in New Spain

12.1 Development of the casta system

12.2 Social mobility and limitations in colonial society

12.3 Legal and economic implications of racial categories

12.4 Representations of race and caste in art and literature

13.2 Formation of Mexican national identity

13.3 Colonial institutions and their influence on modern Mexico

13.4 Historiography and changing interpretations of the conquest

13.1 Long-term impact on indigenous cultures and societies

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