Lecture Notes: The Role of La Malinche in the Conquest of the Aztec Empire

Introduction

• Hernan Cortes and Spanish conquistadors conquered the Aztec Empire (1519-1521).
• Aided by a native woman: Malinalli (Malintzin/La Malinche).
• Controversial figure: seen as a traitor or victim of circumstances.

Early Life

• Born around 1500 among the Nahua people (Yucatan Peninsula).
• Lived between the Mayan and Aztec Empires.
• Enslaved at age 8 or 9; circumstances unclear (kidnapped or sold by family).
• Learned the Yucatec Maya language, becoming bilingual (Nahua and Maya).

Interaction with the Spanish

• 1518: Spanish explorers contact Central America.
• 1519: Cortes's expedition arrives; Malinalli among 20 slaves given to him.
• Initially baptized and given a European name.
• Discovered as bilingual - pivotal for communication with Nahua people.

Role in the Spanish Conquest

• Acted as interpreter and advisor for Cortes.
• Assisted in negotiations with Nahua towns for alliances.
• Renamed Malintzin (Malinche) by natives and Spanish.
• Aided in alliance formation with Tlaxcalans and Texcocans against Aztecs.

The Fall of Tenochtitlan

• November 1519: Spanish enter Tenochtitlan, meet Montezuma II.
• Role as an interpreter in interactions with Aztecs.
• Hostility increased; "La Noche Triste" (June 1520) - Spanish expelled from city.
• Spanish regroup and return in 1521.
• Aztec Empire weakened by smallpox; Tenochtitlan conquered.

Legacy and Controversy

• Central in Spanish conquest; described by Cortes as crucial.
• Mother of Martin (Cortes's son); seen as 'mother of the mestizo race'.
• Later married Juan Jaramillo, becoming a Spanish noblewoman.
• Died of smallpox around 1529.
• Viewed as a traitor ("Malinchista" in Mexico) or victim.
• Debate on her responsibility and choices due to enslavement.

Conclusion

• La Malinche's complex legacy: critical in Aztec downfall and transformation of Central America.
• Her true feelings on her role remain unknown.

Closing Remarks

• Video encourages likes, comments, subscriptions, and notifications for updates on new content.