In this lecture, Professor Totten describes the Spanish Empire in the western hemisphere and native resistance to colonial oppression. He argues that New Spain's labor relations led to further suffering on the part of surviving Native Americans, which was exposed by reformers like Bartolome de las Casas. He details how New Spain responded to such debates with increased centralization and the introduction of new labor systems that led to the rise of African slavery in the empire. He argues Native revolts in New Mexico constituted the single greatest challenge to European colonialism and necessitated concessions on the Spaniards part in order to reestablish control. He concludes the Spanish Empire declined due to inflation, increased importation of manufactured goods, and the massive security expenses of foreign wars and military installations abroad.

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