Book Review: Mexico: The Colonial Era by Alan Knight

Mexico: The Colonial Era is the second volume of a three part Mexican history series written by Alan Knight. Knight examines the colonial period from the 16th century through Mexicos emergence as an independent nation-state in 1821. Knights goal with this work is to develop a broad, encompassing history of Mexico and identify processes of historical change. Knight argues that a broad historical study of the past will give context to present day Mexico. The book is divided into two parts, the first focusing on New Spain (Mexico) under the Hapsburgs rule. Knight begins by examining the impact of colonialism on the native population and the beginning of the repartimiento, hacienda, and encomienda systems, with particular focus on the hacienda system. These different systems were used to maintain an Indian workforce, which constituted the primary source of colonial labor. A landed oligarchy came to dominate public office and the economic sector, which marginalized the native population. Catholicism played a strong role in the development of settlement communities and sped up the process of indigenous acculturation. Aspects of native religions were syncretically incorporated into Catholicism, which made the transition to a new lifestyle somewhat easier for Indians. In the second half of the book, Knight examines the impact of Bourbon rule on New Spain. When the Bourbons ascended the Spanish crown, they were feeling pressure to capitalize on New Spain in order to maintain Spains power position as other European countries began expanding settlements in the Americas. Britain in particular threatened New Spain with its fleets and cheaper, often illicitly traded goods, mainly textiles. Spain also had a rivalry with France. Knight asserts that the Bourbons revitalized the economy and enacted political, religious, economic reforms. Mexicos population grew from increased reproduction rates, possibly due to families attempting to maximize income. Production rates had decreased at the end of the Hapsburg period. Immigration, predominantly from Spain, increased due to a re-energized economy. Racial identity blurred due to miscegenation, which led class distinctions to begin replacing caste distinctions. The mining industry boomed, producing increased amounts of silver, which was the major export from New Spain to Spain. Toward the end of their rule, the Bourbons faced popular resentment due to increased taxation and expulsion of Jesuits from the colony, reflecting the Bourbons anti-clerical policies. Tensions between peninsular Spaniards and creole Spaniards increased. Spains involvement in European wars drained the Spanish economy and hampered communication with New Spain. In part due to these factors, in 1821 Mexico gained political autonomy. Knight argues the revolution was mostly a political transition of power as many colonial socio-economic conditions remained intact.

One positive aspect of Mexico: The Colonial Era is that Knight relies on an extensive bibliography. Knight provides a wealth of footnotes, which give further insight into this work and the work of his peers. While the book provides a thorough historical overview, at times it becomes repetitive. This book is sometimes dry and seems like it would be inaccessible to those unaccustomed to reading historical texts. After taking Mexican history courses, the language and style Knight uses became much more familiar to me. Overall, Mexico: The Colonial Era was a solid introduction to Mexican colonial history and touched on major social issues that shaped the region. After reviewing Knight a second time, it is evident how his synthesis contributes to filling in holes where more specific studies skim over or bypass. Jackie Pardue Scripps, Fall 2009 Knight, Alan. Mexico: The Colonial Era. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2002.