From Conquest to Colonisation: Spain in the Mariana Islands 1690–1740

Hezel, Francis X.; Driver, Marjorie C. (October 1988). "From Conquest to Colonisation: Spain in the Mariana Islands 1690–1740". The Journal of Pacific History. 23 (2): 137–155. doi:10.1080/00223348808572585. ISSN 1469-9605 0022-3344, 1469-9605 .

• Has attachment: File:6IGHL2UY.pdf

Abstract: examines the period of Spanish colonization in the Mariana Islands, highlighting the shift from initial conquest to the establishment of colonial rule. Published by Taylor & Francis, Ltd., and digitized in collaboration with JSTOR, the document discusses the interactions between Spanish missionaries, local populations, and colonial administrators.

The Spanish mission faced resistance from local segments soon after arrival, eventually leading to violent confrontations. Governor Damián Esplana attempted to establish control over the islands but faced numerous challenges and limited success due to resistance from the northern islands and various administrative issues. The narrative in scholarly and popular media often ends with this account, but the actual establishment of Spanish colonial patterns was only beginning, shaping the administrative structures and village life that would persist.

Corruption and inefficiencies marked the administrations of various governors, including Pimentel and Tagle, leading to oppressive practices like forced labor, which severely impacted the indigenous Chamorro people’s health and population numbers. Although there were attempts at reform, these were often insufficient or rejected, as seen when proposals like reducing military presence were dismissed by the authorities in Madrid. Despite these hardships, over time, the colonization process brought about silent assimilation and coexistence between Spaniards and Chamorros, indicating the formal completion of the colonial objectives.

Extra details:

MAG: 1965110662
OpenAlex: W1965110662
CorpusID: 161215236