Mexico And The European Colonization Of The Americas

Mexico is a large country that was reborn as a result of the European colonization of the Americas. Although colonial influence largely reshaped Mexico, its Native American roots have remained a prominent element of its culture. Mexico’s history marks the origin of several advanced Amerindian civilizations, including the Olmec, Toltec, Teotihuacan, Zapotec, Maya, and Aztec (cia.gov). It was conquered and colonized by Spain in the early 16th century, and administered as the Viceroyalty of New Spain for three centuries. After 300 years of Spanish rule; Mexico achieved independence early in the 19th century (history.com, 2017). Geographical and Ecological Aspects Mexico is located in the North American continent; directly south of the†¦show more content†¦Key Cultural Elements The large majority of Mexico’s population consists of â€Å"mestizos†, an ethnicity consisting in the mix of European and Amerindian populations. The mestizo population quickly replaced the native Amerindians during, and following the years of the Spanish colonization, largely due in part to the mass casualties the natives suffered during Spain’s occupation. Today, Mexico’s ethnic groups are estimated to be: 62% mestizo (Amerindian-Spanish), 21% predominantly Amerindian natives, 7% Amerindians, and 10% other (mostly European), according to a census published in 2012 (cia.gov). Most of the population in Mexico can be found congregating on its bigger cities, particularly the ones found in the middle of the country between the states of Jalisco and Veracruz. Additionally; an estimate of a quarter of the population lives in and around Mexico City. The colonization also established Catholicism as the mandatory religion of the newly acquired Spanish territory. The Spanish Inquisitions’ aggressive action against what they considered to be â€Å"heathen† beliefs, effectively eradicated the indigenous religions. 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