Choice, Persuasion, and Coercion brings together twelve original essays on Spain's presence in North America to understand the circumstances and application of social control. "Social control" refers to the use of coercion particularly in response to what dominant groups consider deviant behavior among subordinates. Spain attempted to maintain control of vast areas through persuasion, coercion, or indoctrination to make subordinates accept colonial government and behave according to Spanish expectations.
Jesus F. de la Teja, Ph.D. is chair of the history department at Texas State University, San Marcos.
Ross Frank is associate professor in the department of ethnic studies, University of California, San Diego.
The Clements Center for Southwest Studies, Southern Methodist University