Origins & Early Settlement
This Spanish conquistador led the campaign against the Aztec Empire between 1519 and 1521
Hernán Cortés
What major mineral discovery in 1546 boosted New Spain’s economy?
Silver
The Bourbon Reforms aimed to strengthen control for which European crown?
The Spanish Crown (Bourbon monarchy; King Charles III introduced many reforms).
Who gave the Grito de Dolores on September 16, 1810?
Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla.
What is Ms. C's last name?
Caravalho
In 1535 Spain created this political unit for governing New Spain and named Mexico City its capital.
The Viceroyalty of New Spain (established 1535) with Antonio de Mendoza as first viceroy and Mexico City as capital.
In one sentence, explain how silver mining affected New Spain’s growth.
Silver mining created wealth, attracted labor and investment, and made New Spain economically valuable to Spain.
What was the Intendant System and which group did it weaken in New Spain?
The Intendant System replaced local officials with bureaucrats from Spain (Peninsulares), weakening Criollos (locally born elites).
Name two early insurgent leaders captured and executed between 1811–1815.
José María Morelos and Miguel Hidalgo (accept other early insurgent leaders where appropriate)
What's the name of the college Ms. C went to?
100 point Bonus is you can name the city and state
North Central University
Bonus: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Define the term "viceroy."
A viceroy is an official appointed by a king or queen to rule a country, colony, or province in their name.
Identify two consequences of Spain’s strict royal monopolies and higher taxes on colonists.
(Accept answers such as) Money and resources were drawn to Spain, local merchants and landowners lost capital, and economic inequality increased.
Explain the Consolidación de Vales Reales (1804) and one effect it had on colonial landowners or merchants.
The Consolidación forced the Church to call in mortgages, which bankrupted many colonial landowners and merchants who relied on Church credit.
Why do people still celebrate September 16?
(Accept Any Answer)September 16, 1810 marks the beginning (Grito de Dolores) of the independence movement; independence was finalized in 1821 when the Treaty of Córdoba recognized Mexico’s independence. People celebrate September 16 to honor the start and the popular uprising that began the process.
Name three things Ms. C is a fan of
Accept answers such as:
Taylor Swift, Star Wars, Giants, 49ers, ect.
Name two things established by the Council of the Indies to govern Spanish overseas territories.
The Council of the Indies governed colonies, issued laws and appointed officials; it structured colonial administration and legal systems.
Who led colonization efforts in Alta California beginning in 1769 and what institution did he found there?
Junípero Serra; he established missions (e.g., Carmel Mission) and founded multiple California missions.
Describe the 1808 Crisis and explain why it was an important external trigger for independence movements.
Napoleon invaded Spain in 1808, forced the abdication of the Spanish king, and installed Joseph Bonaparte; this created a crisis of legitimate authority across the empire.
Who joined forces with Vicente Guerrero in 1821 to help secure independence and what plan united them?
Agustín de Iturbide allied with Vicente Guerrero under the Plan of Iguala.
How many siblings does Ms. C have? Must say how many of each
3 siblings - 2 brothers and 1 sister
Explain why Spanish settlement in the American Southwest increased between 1598 and 1610 and name one new settlement founded in 1610.
Spanish settlers pushed north for land, resources, and strategic control; Santa Fe was founded in 1610.
Describe how colonial militias trained by Spain later contributed to independence movements.
Colonial militias trained local Criollos in warfare skills; those trained soldiers later used their military experience in independence conflicts.
Summarize how the combination of Bourbon Reforms and the Peninsular Backlash pushed Criollos toward seeking independence.
Reforms centralized power, reduced Criollo influence, increased taxes and economic control, and the Peninsular backlash suppressed legal reform attempts — together closing peaceful paths and pushing elites toward revolt.
What treaty signed on August 24, 1821, recognized Mexican independence, and who signed it for the Spanish side?
The Treaty of Córdoba; signed by Juan O'Donojú for the Spanish/royalist side.
When is Ms. C's birthday (month, day)
100 bonus if you know the year
April 7th
bonus 1997