| Following the conclusion of the Mexican-American War of 1846-1848, the United States claimed nearly one-half of Mexican territory and instituted judicial procedures based on the English common lave. New Mexico Territory had been claimed by Spanish colonial settlers beginning in 1598, and had operated under Spanish law from 1598-1821, and Mexican law from 1821-1848. Women experienced new legal traditions, institutions, and practices but they also adopted strategies of survival that allowed them to resist the complete destruction of the social and legal rights they had historically enjoyed under a Spanish Mexican civil code of law. New Mexico retained Hispanic law, marital customs, and concepts of property longer than other U.S. territories. In addition the uneven establishment of U.S. law meant that Hispanas continued to maintain a legal profile long after conquest. However, changes in land title and taxation procedures, increased numbers of European Americans, and differing social attitudes affected the status of New Mexico women. The transition from Mexican province to U.S. state meant disempowerment and massive property loss. |
