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Essays in Population History: Mexico and the Caribbean, Volume One brings together a series of seven essays that examine the demographic history of Mexico and the Caribbean. The essays are the result of years of research, focused primarily on the impact of European conquest on the indigenous populations of the Western Hemisphere, particularly in central Mexico. By examining a variety of archival sources and historical records, the volume addresses the complexities of historical demography, such as gaps in data and inconsistencies in tribute records. The authors' work spans several centuries, from the sixteenth century to the national census of 1960, offering a comprehensive view of the population dynamics in Mexico.

The volume begins by detailing the methodology used in the study of historical demography, such as the creation of coefficients of change and the analysis of population characteristics like family structures and civil categories. It then presents focused studies on the population of different regions, including the Mixteca Alta and west-central Mexico, with comparisons to other areas in the Americas, like Hispaniola and Colombia. The authors explore how geography, climate, and regional histories influenced the patterns of population decline after European contact. The essays also examine how social stratification and tribute systems shaped the demographics of indigenous communities. This volume is the first of a planned series, and while it presents detailed findings, it also sets the stage for future research into other regions and time periods.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1971.