Colegio de santa cruz de tlatelolco

Definition

The colegio de Santa Cruz de Tlatelolco was a significant educational institution established in the 16th century for the indigenous people of Mexico, particularly aimed at the Aztec elite. It served as a mission school founded by the Franciscans, where young Mexicans were educated in both European and native languages, arts, and sciences, which facilitated cultural assimilation and the spread of Christianity among the indigenous population.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The colegio de Santa Cruz de Tlatelolco was founded in 1536 and is considered one of the first institutions of higher learning in the Americas.
2. It was notable for educating many prominent indigenous figures, including those who would become important in the early colonial period.
3. The curriculum included subjects such as Latin, philosophy, theology, and astronomy, combining European educational methods with indigenous traditions.
4. The college's students were primarily from the noble class of Tlatelolco, reflecting an effort to integrate elite indigenous people into colonial society.
5. Despite its achievements, the colegio faced challenges due to political changes and decreased support over time, ultimately closing in the late 17th century.

Review Questions

• How did the colegio de Santa Cruz de Tlatelolco contribute to the education of indigenous peoples in New Spain?
  • The colegio de Santa Cruz de Tlatelolco played a crucial role in educating indigenous peoples by providing a curriculum that blended European knowledge with indigenous culture. The school focused on teaching in both Nahuatl and Spanish, enabling students to engage with both their own heritage and European learning. This educational approach not only promoted literacy but also prepared indigenous elites for roles in the colonial administration and fostered cultural exchanges.
• Evaluate the impact of the colegio de Santa Cruz de Tlatelolco on cultural assimilation during the colonial period.
  • The colegio significantly influenced cultural assimilation by facilitating the integration of indigenous elites into colonial society through education. It taught European languages, religion, and sciences while also allowing for some retention of native culture. However, this dual focus on assimilation led to a complex relationship where some indigenous identities were preserved while others were transformed or diminished in favor of European norms.
• Assess how the establishment and eventual decline of the colegio de Santa Cruz de Tlatelolco reflects broader themes of colonial education and cultural exchange.
  • The establishment of the colegio de Santa Cruz de Tlatelolco exemplifies colonial education's role in facilitating cultural exchange between Europeans and indigenous peoples. Initially seen as a tool for evangelization and control, it later faced challenges that mirrored broader issues in colonial governance, such as resource allocation and changing political landscapes. The decline of the colegio highlights tensions within colonial systems—while it achieved significant educational advancements for some, it also revealed limitations and resistance to full cultural assimilation among indigenous populations.

Related terms

Franciscan Order: A religious order founded by St. Francis of Assisi focused on simplicity, poverty, and service, which played a major role in the evangelization of indigenous populations in New Spain.

Cultural Assimilation: The process by which one cultural group adopts the customs and practices of another, often leading to the loss of original cultural identity.

Mission System: A network of religious missions established by European colonizers to convert indigenous peoples to Christianity and teach them European ways of life.