Indian Conquistadors

Myths v. Realities

Myths

• The conquering of Mexica by the Spanish was due to;– The genius of Hernando

Cortés– Superiority of Spanish

military resources– Political and moral

decadence of Mexica empire

Realities

• Cortés’ plan of conquest was not original

• Based on Castilian experience in;– Spain– The Canaries– The Caribbean

• Relied on natives to become part of empire

Hernando Cortés

Realities

• Native political coalition of city states wishing to conquer Tenochtitlan was based on historical change of power – Tenochtitlan, Texaco, and

Tlacopan– Azcapotzalco, Culhuacan,

and Coatlinchan– Culhuacan, Tula, and

Otumba

Realties

• The natives made up the bulk of Cortés’ forces– 500 Spaniards– 2400 – 40,000 Natives

• The Spanish “soldiers” were not members of the Spanish army– Intended on conquering

quickly– Planned to settle allowing

merchants to come in– Relied on natives for logistical

support

Spanish alliance with Tlaxcalteca