The Viceroyalty of New Spain was one of the most significant territories in the Spanish Empire, spanning from the 16th century until the early 19th century. This vast administrative unit was established following the conquest led by Hernán Cortés in 1521, with the fall of the Aztec Empire.
New Spain was officially created in 1535 when the first Viceroy, Antonio de Mendoza, was appointed by Charles V of Spain. The viceroy was the highest authority in New Spain, directly representing the Spanish monarch, and was responsible for administering justice, collecting taxes, and maintaining order. The capital was established in Mexico City, built on the ruins of the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlán.
At its greatest extent, the Viceroyalty of New Spain included:
The economy of New Spain was based on:
New Spain was a melting pot of cultures:
The Viceroyalty began to decline due to:
With Mexico's independence, the Viceroyalty of New Spain ceased to exist as a political entity, though its cultural, social, and economic legacies persist in the regions it once governed.