Control over Sexuality
How easy was it for the Spanish to attract women and families to the new territories?
Very diffuclt; had to recruit single women
In what Mexican territories was slavery outlawed after its independence?
Slavery was outlawed in all territories
What territories were considered a part of the Northern Frontier?
California, New Mexico, Texas
Benefits of Spanish soldiers marrying native women when frontier territories were first settled on?
Native women were given land, farm animals, and horses; improved relations between indigenous people and the Spanish
How did Mestiza women defend themselves against generalized sexual violence?
Did American foreigners outnumber Mexicans in all territories?
No, only in Texas (especially East Texas)
How were Mestiza women punished for engaging in sexual activity?
Sexual violence is used to correct a woman's sexual behavior; a woman's sexuality was subject to any male in the family, regardless of age
Why were American foreign encroachments on Mexican territory so common?
No enforcement or military backing
What is the Black Legend?
Negative portrayals/representations of the Spanish (violent, barbaric, greedy) that are translated into Mexicans, particularly in the eyes of American foreigners
Why was the marital family central in the conquest of new territories?
Who were labeled witches and sorcerers?
Women who used their political power to push back against Spanish patriarchy
Why was American colonization in the new territories initially seen as beneficial?
Trade would benefit Mexico's economy through trade; assumption that foreigners would obey laws
How was gender a key dimension of honor in relation to individual and family honor?
Women's value centered on their sexuality; Men's value centered on the protection of women and the domination of women
Why was Toypurina punished so harshly when her plot to kill the priest was uncovered?
She was sexualized, racialized, and demonized; tried as a political crime; challenged patriarchal domination over native women
According to Thomas O. Larkin in 1846, why were native and foreign inhabitants prepared for a transfer of sovereignty of territories from Mexico to the US?
Mexico's ever-weakening political and physical control left it vulnerable to continual land grabs by foreigners; the assumption that land value would increase under American sovereignty