Fifth Sun: A New History of the Aztecs

by Camilla Townsend

Arguably only in the wake of the War of Independence (1810–1821) did indigenous identity truly suffer. In one of the greatest ironies of history, it was the efforts of the humanitarian and progress-oriented liberals that struck a significant blow at Mexico’s indigenous peoples. With all people suddenly equal in the eyes of the law, it seemed counterproductive to persist in encouraging indigenous peoples to speak their own language. No longer could a native person go to court and find a translator: that person would need to speak Spanish. No longer could a native person say she preferred to be educated by her parents in the old way: such a person would need to learn Spanish. No longer could native people say they preferred to own their land in common and let the chiefs decide how to distribute it: they were told it would be best if they owned individual family farms. If they needed to prove title, they could go to court—and do their business in Spanish.5