The history of Chihuahua begins in the year 12,000 BC. This is demonstrated by the archaeological remains found in the state. The first settlers were nomadic hunters and gatherers.
With the passage of time some societies would have to establish themselves in the state permanently, thanks to the development of agricultural techniques.
The Paquimé civilization was one of the most important cultures that developed in Chihuahua.
Other pre-Hispanic groups that settled in this territory were the Chichimecas, the Sumas, and the Mansos. These last two were descendants of the Paquimés.
The Spanish began to explore the territory of Chihuahua in the year 1528. Motivated by the presence of gold and silver mines, the Spanish began the conquest of the state.
However, the resistance of the aboriginal groups made the taking of this territory take almost a century.
The oppression generated by the Spanish leaders resulted in the colonies seeking to free themselves from the yoke.
Thus began the war for the independence of Mexico. Finally, on July 6, 1824, Chihuahua was recognized as one of the federal divisions of the United Mexican States.
Currently Chihuahua is one of the states of Mexico with the most stable economy and contributes almost 3% of the country's gross domestic product.
In addition to this, a census carried out by the National Institute of Statistics, Geography and Informatics showed that 96% of the population over 8 years of age can read and write, which shows that the state is advanced in terms of education.
You may also be interested in the traditions of Chihuahua or its culture.
Prehispanic period
The archaeological remains found in Samalayuca and in Rancho Colorado prove that in 12,000 BC. C. there were already inhabitants in the state of Chihuahua.
From the evidence found, it can be conjectured that these first inhabitants were nomadic hunters and gatherers.
From the year 2000 a. C. societies became more organized. They settled in the territory of Chihuahua and developed agriculture and irrigation techniques, which allowed to improve production.
Between the years 300 a. C. and 1300 d. C. the Paquimé civilization developed. This civilization not only practiced agriculture and hunting, but also established a system of trade with neighboring cultures.
Paquimés cities began to lose their power in the 13th century, and by the 14th century they had almost completely disappeared. With the fall of the cities the aborigines dispersed to the east and north.
During the 14th century the territory of Chihuahua was occupied by various nomadic groups, among which the Chichimecas stand out.
In the 15th century, tribes descended from the Paquimés appeared, such as the meek and the sumas, who settled in the state until the arrival of the Spanish.
Conquest of Chihuahua
In 1528 the first contact between the settlers of Chihuahua and the Spanish took place. In this year a group of Spanish explorers carried out an expedition to recognize the territory.
During this expedition, deposits of gold and silver were found. For this reason, the interest of the Spanish was directed towards the state of Chihuahua.
However, the conquest of this territory was not an easy task. Aboriginal groups offered resistance and fought to prevent the advance of the Spanish. Conquering the entire territory was a process that lasted almost a century.
Colonial period
The presence of gold and silver mines in the state of Chihuahua caught the attention of the Spanish settlers, who began to settle in this territory.
In 1567 the first colonial city was founded in Chihuahua, which received the name of Santa Bárbara. Shortly after its foundation, 400 Spanish families settled in the territory.
As in other Spanish colonies, in Chihuahua an evangelization process was developed that aimed to conquer the aborigines through less violent but efficient means: the imposition of the Catholic religion.
To achieve this goal, the Franciscan order established missions in the state. Evangelization began in 1569 and ended in 1581, when most of the aboriginal population had already been converted to Catholicism.
In 1598 a route was discovered that connected this city with New Mexico, which was of benefit since it allowed to establish a direct transportation system between the Spanish colonies.
In 1631 the colonial establishment San José del Parral was created. This was a strategic economic point because it was close to a silver vein. For this reason, San José del Parral was transformed into an economic center.
In 1709 the city of Chihuahua was founded, which was to become the state capital.
Shortly after this city was created, the Real de Minas de San Francisco de Cuéllar was established there, which was the authority on mining.
In the colonies, the only beneficiaries were the Spanish and their direct descendants. This caused that the other settlers rose in rebellion against the Spanish crown.
The war for independence began in 1810 and ended in 1821. On July 6, 1824, Chihuahua became part of the United Mexican States.
Contemporary period
Currently Chihuahua is one of the Mexican states with the most stable economy. The activities carried out in this state generate about 3% of the country's gross domestic product.
In Chihuahua, the most important sector of the economy is services, which provides 60% of the state's gross domestic product.
This is followed by the industrial sector, which contributes 34% to the economy of Chihuahua. Last is the agricultural sector, with 6%.
Mining continues to be an important activity. In fact, it is the sector that generates the most foreign investment.
According to the National Institute of Statistics, Geography and Informatics, approximately 96% of the Chihuahua population can read and write. 93% attend an educational institution and 13% have a college degree.
References
- Retrieved on November 9, 2017, from britannica.com
- Retrieved on November 9, 2017, from nationencyclopedia.com
- Chihuahua City. Retrieved on November 9, 2017, from wikipedia.org
- Chihuahua - Mexico. Retrieved on November 9, 2017, from history, com
- Chihuahua (state). Retrieved on November 9, 2017, from wikipedia.org
- Chihuahua State in Mexico. Retrieved on November 9, 2017, from gogringo.com
- History of Mexico. Retrieved on November 9, 2017, from houstonculture.org