Colonial Mexico

Colonial Mexico refers to the period from the early 16th century to the early 19th century when Mexico was part of the Spanish Empire. After Hernán Cortés conquered the Aztec Empire in 1521, Spain established a colonial rule that introduced European culture, religion, and governance. The economy thrived on agriculture, mining, and trade, heavily relying on indigenous labor and later African slaves. This era saw significant social stratification, with Spanish settlers at the top, and profound changes to Indigenous cultures. Colonial Mexico ended with the Mexican War of Independence, which began in 1810, leading to the establishment of a sovereign nation.