Trade between Mexico and New Mexico established during the Spanish period was ______________.

During the Spanish period, trade between Mexico and New Mexico was strictly regulated and controlled by the Spanish authorities. This means that it was primarily open only to Spanish settlers and merchants. The Spanish Crown instituted trade policies that allowed for the flow of goods within its colonial territories while restricting access to other foreign entities.

The focus on Spanish control was rooted in the desire to maintain economic dominance and protect colonial interests, resulting in trade that excluded not only Mexicans and other foreign traders but also diverse groups such as the French and Anglos. Thus, the option highlighting trade being open only to the Spanish accurately reflects the historical context of trade regulations during that period.