Final answer:
Spanish rule in New Mexico was established through superior military tactics and weaponry, strategic alliances with local tribes, the introduction of diseases like smallpox, and the firm establishment of Roman Catholicism which helped in integrating the indigenous population.
Step-by-step explanation:
The eventual success of Spanish rule in New Mexico was multifaceted, involving military advantage, strategic alliances, and the leveraging of religion to integrate and control the indigenous population. The Spanish military tactics and weaponry, which were superior to those of the local tribes, provided an initial advantage. This included steel armor, swords, and the use of horses in combat.
Aligning with other native groups that resented Aztec rule, like the Tlaxcalans and Totonacs, boosted the Spanish forces numerically and strategically. Additionally, the introduction of smallpox, although unintentional, significantly weakened the native populations and contributed to the fall of the Aztec Empire. Beyond military conquest, the institution of Roman Catholicism played a significant role in the Spanish control over New Mexico, with missionaries and clergy facilitating cultural integration and fostering a shared religious identity that helped to consolidate Spanish rule over the region.
The Catholic Church's influence aided in bridging the gap between Spanish authorities and the indigenous population, further solidifying their grip on power. Despite the military and religious efforts, internal political dynamics within the Spanish Crown, such as the inefficiencies of King Fernando VII in managing the colonies, and the influence of events like Napoléon's invasion in Europe, ultimately sowed the seeds for independence movements within New Spain.