- Mexican Independence and Migration: Mexico gained its independence from Spain in 1821, leading to the opening of the border between Mexico and New Mexico. This facilitated the migration of many Mexican settlers, including traders, ranchers, and families, into New Mexico.
- Land Grants: The Mexican government granted large land tracts, known as land grants, to individuals or groups in the region, which encouraged further settlement. These land grants often attracted settlers from nearby areas, including Mexico, and contributed to the growth of Hispanic communities.
- Economic Opportunities: The development of the Santa Fe Trail in 1821 provided a vital trade route between the United States and Mexico. This economic activity attracted traders and merchants from both countries, many of whom were Hispanic.
- Religious and Cultural Ties: The vast majority of settlers from Mexico were Catholic, sharing a common religious identity with the existing Spanish population in New Mexico. This cultural and religious affinity contributed to the integration and assimilation of Mexican immigrants into the Hispanic community.
- Political Stability: The Mexican government provided relative stability and established institutions in the region, compared to the turbulent conditions that followed the Mexican-American War in 1848. This political stability encouraged settlement and contributed to the overall growth of the Hispanic population.
Overall, the combination of increased migration from Mexico, access to land through land grants, economic opportunities, religious and cultural ties, and relative political stability all played a role in the rapid growth of the Hispanic population in New Mexico during the early 1800s.