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00:00:00 – 00:10:40
The video, presented by Robert Martinez, delves into the early Spanish colonization of New Mexico, focusing on interactions between Spanish colonists led by Juan de Oñate and the Pueblo peoples starting in 1598. The Spanish initially sought to integrate the Pueblos under Spanish rule and the Catholic Church, establishing their community in Oke Owingeh. Tensions culminated in violent confrontations, particularly with the resilient Acoma (Akima) people. Notable incidents include a misjudged battle where Spanish muskets seemed ineffective and the subsequent brutal retaliation led by Vicente, culminating in the brutal Massacre at Akima, where severe punishments were inflicted on the Acoma survivors.
The narrative highlights the controversial actions of Oñate, whose harsh leadership and frequent absences led to dissatisfaction among the colonists. As a result, many colonists chose to abandon the settlement. Despite their departure, a resilient group of settlers remained, laying the foundation for Hispanic New Mexico culture with notable surnames such as Martinez, Romero, and Baca. Oñate's eventual downfall and arrest for his abuse of both indigenous people and colonists mark a significant point in the history of the colonization efforts. The video concludes by hinting at the turbulent period leading up to the Pueblo Revolt of 1680, which temporarily expelled the Spanish from the region.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, Robert Martinez, the state historian of New Mexico, discusses the early interactions between Spanish colonists led by Juan de Oñate and the Pueblo peoples starting in 1598. The Spanish initially established their community in the Oke Owingeh area and aimed to integrate the Pueblos under Spanish rule and the Catholic Church. However, the Pueblo peoples were not passive and assessed the Spaniards’ offers and intentions. Tensions arose, exemplified by a conflict when Oñate was away searching for mineral wealth, which led to a defensive rally by the colonists, inspired by a brave woman named Doña Ana. Additionally, the video touches on the Pueblos of Acoma, who were particularly resistant, noting their independent and fortified position, and their efforts to understand Spanish motives during a period when the Spanish were displaying their cultural practices through plays that included mock battles.
00:03:00
In this segment of the video, the Spaniards observe a skirmish where their muskets appear ineffective, leading the Ackerman people to erroneously believe Spanish weapons are harmless. Rondon Yata sends his nephew and soldiers to establish relations with the Ackerman, but tensions arise, resulting in a violent attack by the Ackerman people on the Spaniards. Several Spaniards are killed, leading the survivors to report back. Alarmed by the revolt, the Spanish, with the support of Franciscan priests, deem a just war necessary. Rondon Yata’s brother Vicente leads seventy men equipped with advanced weaponry to punish the Ackerman. Despite fierce resistance, the Ackerman warriors are ultimately defeated by the Spanish forces after a two-day battle.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, the narrator discusses an incident involving a Spanish colonist named Archuleta who accidentally killed a friend in a case of friendly fire. Following this, the Spanish defeated the Akima people in an event known as the Massacre at Akima. As a punishment, Spanish leader Onate reportedly ordered that all males over the age of 24 had a foot cut off, though some sources claim only toes were cut off. Additionally, younger people and women were put into servitude. This event is highly controversial, both at the time it occurred and in modern interpretations. Reinforcements arrived in 1600, including new figures like Lopez Alguien and Baca, but dissatisfaction grew among the colonists towards Onate due to his frequent absences and mistreatment.
00:09:00
In this segment of the video, the focus is on the breakdown of the colonization efforts in New Mexico. Many colonists, weary and dissatisfied, decide to leave and head back south, leaving behind a resilient group who stay to establish a Spanish colony. Notable surnames among those who stayed include Martinez, Romero, Montoya, Baca, Chavez, and Ordoñez. The segment also highlights the downfall of Onate, who is arrested and sent to Mexico City on charges of abusing both indigenous people and Spanish colonists. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having a balanced view of Onate, recognizing his role in founding Hispanic New Mexico culture despite its temporary nature, as the Pueblo Revolt would expel the Spanish colonists 80 years later. The segment ends with a note to prepare for exploring the events between 1600 and 1680.