Historiography (Essay Sample)

Texas State University
Historiography Paper
Ramiro Franco
History 3327
Dr. De la Teja
11/5/15
Ben Vinson expresses how New Spain was known to be white man’s’ land also known as Spanish Land. In the contrary, different races emerged in New Spain as a result of her occupants. He highlights examples of the races that came to existence in the Spanish land. These tribes include Pardos, Mulatos and Morenos as well as the whites. In his analysis, Ben comes up with a conclusion that the different races led to discrimination. Ben outlines how the Spanish were forced by circumstances to accept race differences irrespective of their attitude towards the black. Many people elaborate how racial Mexico evolved and the potential effects of the despised race. Ben Vinson III wanted to understand racial differences in the people. Ben Vinson III expressed how race has been symbolized. In Mexico, race has been seen as a prism to examine the relation, categories and identity between people of different ancestral backgrounds. Spanish viewed other races as "untrained [and] undisciplined" force (p. 223). Vinson explains how having free-colored militia helps in avoiding many matters like land claims and local politics influence. Having free-colored soldiers has promoted corporate-based identities irrespective of the race. As a result, the social meaning of being black has experienced transformation. Race and military institutions grew in hand; they evolved while depending on each other for support. Military institution came to existence due to different races that inhabited Mexico. Even though the institutions were being run well, one could distinctively note the occurrences of racial differences. There was a great disparity in regional differences, discontinuity and historical trends. Natives of Mexico had more privileges in the institution than other races. Free-colored companies also experienced the reduction in the number of Mexican workers. Therefore, the reforms of Bourbo have created a New Mexico. The reform was to abolish the favors that might have happened in Mexico, having only one colored militia. Establishment of military institutions and the Spanish soldiers’ role came to existence at the expense of free colored companies.
Christon in his book explains the changes that had taken course in the better half of the 18th Century. In his understanding, “To serve the king” elaborates the privileges that were given to most Mexicans excluding the Blacks. In as much as the privileges to the blacks were not highlighted, they contributed much to the economy of Mexico. Blacks were categorized as miners, merchants, smelter workers, shop keepers as well as agricultural laborers. Christon further elaborates on warfare and battle that was organized by the blacks. The rules that were heighted by Christon were to guide various occupants of Mexico.
Jackie Booker expresses how having black militia has helped in improving economic and social status in Mexico. He highlights the benefits of having a free-colored militia that resulted into recruiting fewer whites to join military institutions. In Jackie’s comparison, white military were absolutely expensive. Spanis...