Antonio de Mendoza was a Spanish nobleman and the first Viceroy of New Spain, serving from 1535 to 1550. Appointed by the Spanish crown, he played a crucial role in establishing colonial governance in the Americas. Mendoza focused on promoting agriculture, trade, and education, which helped to stabilize the region. During his tenure, Mendoza also worked to protect the indigenous population from exploitation by Spanish settlers. He established laws to regulate labor and encouraged the spread of Christianity through the efforts of missionaries like Francisco de Vitoria and Bartolomé de las Casas. His leadership significantly shaped the early colonial period in Mexico.