Reconquista based on Mythology and False Assumptions

Some educators continue to perpetuate the notion that the Southwest Territories of North America were rightfully a part of Mexico. Often, however, they conveniently ignore some relevant facts that run contrary to such assertions.

Before the Spanish made claims to parts of the New World, the lands were ruled by a multitude of various tribes.

It was by means of the Treaty of Tordesillas in 1493 http://en. .org/wiki/Treaty_of_Tordesillas and later agreed to in 1506 that the New World was divided between Spain and Portugal in accordance with the dictates, bulls and concordances of Popes Alexander VI and Julius II. It was through that Treaty that Spain claimed dominions over parts of North America and Central America. This was an attempt by Spain, Portugal and the Catholic Papacy to take control over all of the New World. Such claims were never agreed to by other nations and the natives of such lands.

It was not until 1821 that Mexico became a nation. Even though its mestizos, Indian and white population had defeated the Spanish for control of Mexico at that time, it should be remembered that over half the land was controlled by the Catholic Church—and the country was in a state of great discord.

This means that Mexico had been a Country for only about 27 years before the Mexican-American War and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848. At that time the total Mexican population of the American Southwest was approximately 80,000…inhabiting an area of about 500,000 square miles. It should also be noted that during 1810, there were about 1000 Spaniards living in the territory. At the time the land was ceded to the United States in 1848, American settlers substantially outnumbered the Spaniards and Mexicans.

Accordingly, Mexico’s claim to the Southwest Territories was of doubtful validity to say the least. In fact the Southwest territories really belonged to the Native Americans who were made up of various tribes that were in various stages of war and peace among themselves, Mexico and the United States.

More legitimate claims to the Southwest Territories could be made by Native Americans...such as the Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi, to name just a few. They were the true victims of one of the greatest land grabs in the history of North America. They were the ones to whom payment should have been given for the Territories. Mexico got a financial windfall through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo for land they never controlled by either population or legality. It was a way for the United States to buy its peace after its victory in war with Mexico. In other words, one thief was paying off another thief—with the Native Americans being given less then even short shrift in monetary compensation and historical accounting.

How refreshing it would be if the United States and Mexico were to be more truthful in the teaching of history...with humble and honorable acknowledgment to the Native Americans for injustices leveled against them. Protest as one may, it was both Mexico and the United States that were the land grabbers. Until we acknowledge this injustice, I suppose we’ll have to vacillate between exasperation and disgust when confronted by the assertions that the United States stole the Southwest Territories from Mexico. Such distorted myth presupposes that Native Americans were unworthy of making claims to lands they inhabited.

Accordingly, the whole notion of Reconquista of the Southwest, as advocated by some groups, is based on falacious assumptions. One cannot logically reconquer that which had never been conquered in the first place.

Upon further reflection, perhaps the Native Americans helped to bring about such injustices because they viewed the land as belonging to nobody other than the Great Spirit. Such notions can be an invitation to invasion.

It’s unfortunate that some educators, historians and news media may not wish to publish and discuss these facts...it being contrary to the accepted mythologies. Yet greater accuracy of historical references is necessary. When authors of good will perpetuate misconceptions by making selective reference to how the Southwest Territories were acquired, then neither history nor humanity is well served.

It would be enlightening if history of the American Southwest were taught with greater revelation of what really occurred, including the assault upon the Native Americans who were the real victims...rather than perpetuating the false myth that Mexico was the owner of such territories.

Mexico, having been a nation for only a few years, never owned the American Southwest...unless one believes that Spain, Portugal, the Catholic Church and Mexico by default should have been the judges of such matters. Though Mexico made claims of territorial ownership, it never had control. Even many of the settlers of the American Southwest of Mexican heritage were in opposition to Mexico, with its unstable and corrupt government. There were also continuous border clashes among the Mexicans and Native American tribes. Territorial disputes and invasions are part of the violent history of mankind.

Main Menu

See Also

Main Menu