Click on the picture
1490?–1552, Spanish administrator,
first viceroy of New Spain (1535–50) and viceroy of Peru (1551–52). Of
noble family, Mendoza held high offices before going to Mexico, where his
wise rule earned him the appellation “the good viceroy.” He alleviated
the condition of the indigenous people (though opposing enforcement of
the New Laws of Bartolomé de Las Casas), fostered religion, and
encouraged education. He brought the first printing press to America at
the request of Bishop Zumárraga. He quelled numerous revolts, notably
the insurrection of indigenous peoples in Nueva Galicia (called the Mixtón
War) in which Pedro de Alvarado was killed. By fostering expeditions, especially
those under Marcos de Niza and Coronado, he pushed exploration far northward.
Industry and agriculture were also developed, bringing prosperity. In brief,
he extended and consolidated the conquest begun by Hernán Cortés,
and established the sure basis for Spain’s long rule in Mexico. Efforts
to discredit and oust him, originating with Cortés, ended in failure.
In 1551 he took office as viceroy of Peru and again opposed enforcement
of the New Laws. The audiencia, however, overruled him. (The Columbia
Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2001.)
The
First and the Best: Viceroy Antonio de Mendoza