Why might the Spanish colonists prioritize the creation of documents such as Codex Mendoza after their successful conquest?
There are several reasons why Spanish colonists might prioritize the creation of documents such as Codex Mendoza after their successful conquest:
1. Administrative purposes: The Spanish colonizers needed detailed records of the conquered territories for administrative purposes. The creation of documents like Codex Mendoza helped in organizing the new territories, understanding sociopolitical structures, and imposing Spanish rule effectively.
2. Tribute and taxation: The Codex Mendoza provided valuable information about the tribute and taxation systems of the indigenous populations. It listed the various goods, resources, and services that the conquered indigenous societies provided to the Spanish crown. This information helped the Spanish collect tribute efficiently and manage their economic interests in the region.
3. Legal documentation: The Spanish colonists sought to establish legal control over the conquered territories and justify their authority. Documents like Codex Mendoza provided evidence of the indigenous people's submission, tribute payments, and acknowledgment of Spanish rule. They were used as legal proof of the Spanish crown's ownership and promoted the idea of territorial sovereignty.
4. Cultural assimilation and conversion: The Codex Mendoza contained valuable ethnographic information about the indigenous cultures, including their social structures, religious practices, and daily life. The Spanish colonists aimed to convert the indigenous populations to Christianity and eradicate their existing beliefs and traditions. Understanding the indigenous cultures through documents like Codex Mendoza allowed them to strategize their efforts for cultural assimilation and religious conversion.
5. Historical documentation: The documents created after conquest, including the Codex Mendoza, aimed to record the history of the conquest itself. They served as a means to document Spanish achievements, celebrate the conquistadors' triumphs, and ensure their legacy in the history of colonization. These documents preserved the memory of the Spanish conquest for future generations.
Overall, the creation of documents like Codex Mendoza after the conquest served various purposes, including administration, economic control, legal documentation, cultural assimilation, and historical documentation. They provided the Spanish colonists with crucial information, facilitated governance, and helped solidify their domination over the conquered territories.