Pueblo Revolt Of 1680 Essay, Research Paper

The Pueblo Revolt of 1680 was a very important part of New Mexico history. Because of the fact that there was 2 large groups, (Spaniards and Indians), fighting against each other there were 2 different accounts of what took place. These accounts told what took place and what led to this revolt.

In the 18th century a young Franciscan searched through archives from the Revolt, and found that the cabildo (town council) blamed the revolt on governor Otermin.1 They did this because according to them, Otermin neglected to govern and gave power to Maese de campo Franscisco Javier.2 Javier was said to have greatly mistreated the Indians, and this angered the Indians. It was said that in Santa Fe during the revolt the Indians said “Give us Javier, who is the reason we have risen, and we will remain in peace as before.”3

Although the Spanish blamed the actions of 2 men for the Revolt, the Indians blamed all of the Spaniards. After many years of being ruled by the Spanish the Indians asked: “Why should we tolerate these men who seize but do not nourish?”.4 This of course was regarding the seizure of their freedom, land, and religion and the lack of food that caused the starvation of many Indians. According to the Indians it was many years of built up aggression against the Spanish that caused the revolt.

Either of these 2 views could have accounted for the cause of the Revolt. Or perhaps the Revolt had a little of both accounts involved in it. Either way the Pueblo Revolt of 1680 will be permanently a key part of New Mexico’s history.