Wanderlust World Wanderlust World - Indigenous and African slaves made up the majority of the population, while Spanish descendants made up the ruling elite.
- Poverty and malnutrition were common, and disease epidemics often decimated the population.
Economic:
- The economy was based on mining, agriculture, and livestock raising.
- Indigenous laborers and African slaves worked the mines and fields, while the Spanish controlled the economy.
- Economic policies focused on enriching Spain at the expense of Mexico, leading to widespread poverty.
Political:
- Mexico was ruled by a viceroy appointed by the Spanish crown.
- The viceroy was assisted by a bureaucracy that was often corrupt and inefficient.
- Political power was concentrated in the hands of a few Spanish families.
Cultural:
- Spanish language, culture, and religion were imposed on the indigenous population, leading to the loss of native traditions.
- The Catholic Church played a major role in society and was often used as a tool of oppression.
- Cultural expression was suppressed, and indigenous languages and traditions were often banned.
Overall:
Spain left Mexico in a state of economic and social disarray, with a population that was impoverished, marginalized, and stripped of its cultural identity. The legacy of Spanish colonialism continues to shape Mexican society and politics to this day.