Society and Culture in 19th Century Mexico

Society and Culture in the First Half of the 19th Century

• Historians often rely on foreign accounts of local life, as descriptions common to locals can be viewed as unique by outsiders
• Mexican War of Independence, though smaller than other conflicts, resulted in significant casualties (estimated at half a million deaths, roughly 1/12th the population)
• Disruption & displacement caused by war delayed recovery
• Population growth slowed dramatically following the war
• Social structures remained largely unchanged
• "Gachupines" disappeared from top, the "Criollos" took their place.
• Despite republican government, racial classifications persisted.

Population

• Mexico was a primarily rural society in the first half of the 19th century
• Indigenous peoples inhabited small villages, living in uniform dwellings, adapting to regional climates
• Homes varied in construction (adobe in north, reeds and thatch in south) but commonly shared living quarters with livestock

Rural Towns

• Towns, generally larger than villages, were usually mestizo, or mixed-race population, influenced by Mexican ways of life.
• Markets and community gatherings (weekly/bi-weekly) were common, attracting people from surrounding areas.
• Infrastructure was limited and life rustic;
• Schools and educational facilities were few; medical care was limited to local healers
• The daily struggle and challenges were palpable

Mexico City

• Mexico City served as a hub, attracting the rich and poor, with a large population
• Wide, paved streets contrasted starkly with the poverty and deprivation in other parts of the city
• Contrast between wealth and poverty in Mexico City evident
• Large population, wealthy and poor residents
• Infrastructure and amenities, though limited in the wider country, were present in provincial cities.

Intellectuals and Artists

• Romanticism was the prevailing literary style; focusing on individual expression and national identify
• Artistic and literary trends emphasized indigenous culture, history, and independence
• Academic institutions and artists were seeking to produce distinctly Mexican forms of expression.

Cargadores

• Cargadores were laborers, carrying loads on their backs.
• Their work was vital to the economy
• The hardships faced by the cargadores contrasted with the more privileged classes
• Labourers played a considerable part in the well-being of the society

Explore the social structures and cultural changes in Mexico during the first half of the 19th century. This quiz delves into the impact of the Mexican War of Independence, population growth, and the living conditions of indigenous peoples. Test your understanding of this pivotal period in history.