Conflict in Colonial Sonora: Indians, Priests, and Settlers

In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, northwest Mexico was a conflict zone between Indians, religious orders of priests, and settlers. Priests tried to pacify Indians, who resisted them, while settlers sought to dominate and exploit them. Indians struggled to maintain control of their lands and cultures, and missionaries faced conflicts within their own orders. Settlers ultimately emerged triumphant, with the Jesuits disappearing and Indians pushed into the background.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2020
Publisher: University of New Mexico Press

In the captivating seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, northwestern Mexico witnessed a tumultuous era characterized by ongoing clashes among three distinct social groups: the Indians, the religious orders of priests, and the settlers. The priests, driven by their mission to bring peace to the Indians, encountered fierce resistance from the latter, who resented their intrusion and attempts to control their beliefs and customs. On the other hand, the settlers, often facing opposition from the priests, craved dominance over the Indians, sought to seize their land, and, when convenient, exploited them as servants and laborers. The Indians, determined to safeguard their ancestral lands and preserve their rich cultures, waged relentless battles against rival peoples, often finding themselves embroiled in prolonged conflicts.

Amidst this complex tapestry, the missionaries themselves faced internal conflicts within their own orders, as well as disputes between different orders and the secular clergy. Some settlers, driven by a sense of justice and compassion for the Indians, championed their rights against the clergy, while others viewed the Indians as an ongoing impediment to economic development and saw the priests as obstructionists.

In his insightful study, Yetman, a renowned scholar of Sonoran history and culture, delves into seven distinct instances of these conflicts, offering a multifaceted perspective on this intricate world. Through extensive archival research, Yetman's account unveils how the settlers, through their unwavering persistence in these conflicts, ultimately emerged victorious. The Jesuits, once a dominant force, gradually faded from the scene, while the Indians were relegated to the background, their struggles overshadowed by the ambitions and desires of the settlers.

This study serves as a valuable contribution to our understanding of the complex dynamics that shaped the history of northwestern Mexico during this pivotal period. By examining these seven separate instances of conflict, Yetman provides a rich and detailed account that sheds light on the struggles, triumphs, and complexities of a society in transition. It serves as a reminder of the profound impact that social, religious, and economic forces can have on the lives of individuals and communities, and the enduring legacy of such conflicts in shaping the world we know today.

Weight: 448g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780826352217