The Pueblo Revolt of 1680 by Andrew L. Knaut

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The Pueblo Revolt of 1680 by Andrew L. Knaut The Pueblo Revolt of 1680, and the events anticipating and succeeding the revolt, is immensely significant to the colonial heritage of New Mexico, according to historian Andrew L. Knaut. As expressed in his work on the Revolt of 1680, Knaut vows to reconstruct the narrative of the Native Americans and Spanish settlers living in the Northern Territory of the Spanish empire with accuracy and clarity. However, Knaut’s interpretation of the events that took place in 17th century New Mexico challenge the prevailing understanding of Spanish colonialism in the Southwest. The popular view expresses a symbiotic relationship between a superior Spanish colony and an inferior Pueblo population that perpetuated the existence of European colonization, only until famine, disease, failing security measures, and harsh persecutions of native traditions sparked a Pueblo revolt in 1680. However, in The Pueblo Revolt of 1680, Knaut argues that resistance to Spanish oppression permeated Pueblo societies throughout the 17th century, the reasons for revolt are far more complex than the prevailing interpretations, and that the Hispanic colonial community also experienced divisiveness and change during this period. Initial settlement attempts by the Spanish during the turn of the 17th century made a lasting impression on the Pueblo Indians, as expressed in part one of Knaut’s work. Inadequate supplies of food and clothing in New Mexico’s harsh environment resulted in Spanish demands for tribute among the Pueblo Indians. These Spanish demands were met with resistance almost immediately. For example, Juan de Zaldivar, mastre de campo of the expedition in 1598, and his men were defeated at the hands of the Acoma after the Acoma refused to pay tribute to the Spanish. Knaut also expresses Pueblo resistance to cultural hegemony throughout
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