Page:Mexico and its reconstruction.djvu/122



Aztec civilization, which the Spaniards found in Mexico at the time of the conquest, depended primarily upon the labor of the hands of the people. Domestic animals, as in all America, were conspicuous by their absence. Agriculture was of the most primitive sort.

One of the most important changes in the economic life of the country brought by the Spanish conquest, greatly increasing the labor power of the country, was the introduction of European foodstuffs and domestic animals. European cereals and other foods were introduced in the highland regions and the horse, burro, sheep, and swine became common elements in the life of the country. Chicken raising spread rapidly, wool became important as a material for clothing. Later potato culture was extended and rice and coffee were introduced. European methods improved the yield of the mines and minted coins made exchange easier and gave a new impulse to the weak local commerce.

In spite of the introduction of these favorable elements the life of Mexico did not change as much as