Struggle for survival: The hostile frontier of New Spain, 1750-1800
Williams, Lyle Wayne
Williams, Lyle Wayne
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Date
1970
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Abstract
As one of Europe's great colonizing powers for several hundred years Spain developed some institutions which in their founding and development were unique to that nation; these were the mission, the presidio, and the civil settlement. This study presents each of these institutions as they existed during the last half of the eighteenth century in the northern provinces of New Spain in the face of almost constant Indian hostility. Archival records, government documents, and contemporary accounts of persons associated with the various institutions have been used. Chapter I delineates the area of the hostile frontier as separate from the total frontier, as there were areas during the period which were peaceful. It also considers the relationship between the physical characteristics of the frontier and the manner in which it was settled. Chapter II considers the two major Indian groups which caused so much of the Spanish problem in settlement and pacification--the Apaches and Comanches. Their tribal origins, lifeways, habitat, arms, and methods of warfare are discussed. Chapter III considers the first of the frontier institutions, the mission, in relation to its origins, methods of founding, organization and operation, and its interrelations with the other frontier institutions. The reasons for the ill feelings of the friars toward other institutions are studied as to cause. Chapter IV does the same thing for the presidia as the preceding chapter did for the mission. Numerous changes were made in the frontier defense system during the eighteenth century, and these are also considered in relation to their effectiveness. Chapter V considers the variety of civil settlements which appeared on the frontier of New Spain. The antecedents are traced to Roman Iberia, and the laws of Castile as they applied to colonization. Physical characteristics of the frontier settlements, the local government, the land distribution procedures, and 'the economic problems are discussed. Chapter VI considers the many problems which faced the various classes of frontier inhabitants, primarily those caused by the hostility of the indigenous inhabitants. It also considers the animosity that was present among the social classes as represented by their association with the three institutions of colonization, pointing out specific examples. It attempts to analyze the reasons for the tenacity of the frontier Spaniard in holding on to his property and to the possessions of the Spanish crown in the face of such a harsh, austere, and dangerous existence.
Contents
Subject
Subject(s)
Frontier and pioneer life
Latin America--History--To 1830
Latin America--History--To 1830
Research Projects
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Genre
Dissertation
Description
Format
vi, 203, 3 leaves, bound
Department
History