Rebellion's sword: The Great Pueblo Revolt of 1680 (New Mexico)

This thesis traces the development and outcome of the Great Pueblo Revolt of 1680. It begins with the Pueblos' adaptation to their desert environment, and the formation of their culture. It then examines 16th century Spanish culture versus that of New Mexico natives via a series of historical figures who attempt to superimpose Spanish values upon the Pueblo.; The thesis next suggests a number of factors which led to the Great Revolt. These factors—the incompatibility of Native Religion with Christianity, the lack of substantial Spanish military presence, the rise in natural calamities and in the raids of the Apache and Navajo, the “martyrdom complex” of the Franciscans, the burden of the encomienda and Spanish governmental systems, and the internecine conflict of the Spanish clergy with the Spanish civil authorities—created the uprising. However, the thesis maintains that the very same factors which caused the revolt also caused its collapse.