Lecture on the Mishika (Aztec) Civilization and Spanish Conquest

Introduction

• Discussion on a student's study questions related to the Mishika.
• Clarification on the pronunciation of "Mishika" (similar to "Mexico").
• Mishika refers to the original name for the Aztecs.
• Explanation of how the Aztecs were renamed due to European conquest, highlighting the cultural impact of colonization.

Pre-European Americas

Advanced Civilizations

• Aztecs, Incas, and Mayans were advanced civilizations with writing systems and codexes.
• Only a few codices survived Spanish conquest due to book burning.
• Importance of recognizing Native Americans beyond stereotypes (loin cloth, tepees, etc.).

Aztec Empire

• The Aztec Empire was limited to the Central Valley of Mexico.
• Misconception that conquering Aztecs meant control over all of Mexico.
• The empire's reach was small compared to the whole region.

Other Civilizations

• Question of why advanced civilizations were prominent in Central/South America but not in the U.S.
• Mention of Anasazi and Cahokia as advanced civilizations in what is now the United States.
• Cahokia had pyramid-like structures, demonstrating complexity.

The Mayan Collapse

Possible Causes

• The Mayan Empire's decline around 900 AD.
• Uncertain reasons for collapse, but possible factors include famine, pests, disease, and floods.
• Reflection on the impact of environmental and governmental failure on civilizations.

Pre-European Europe

Changing Borders

• Presentation showing Europe's changing borders over centuries.
• Europe was not static; countries like France and Spain are relatively new.
• Importance of understanding Europe's dynamic history.

Roman Empire and Christianity

• The Roman Empire's rise and fall.
• Spread of Christianity post-Rome, serving as a cultural and unifying force.
• Impact of Christianity on European societies as the central institution.

Spanish Exploration and Conquest

Columbus's Voyages

• Columbus believed he reached India, hence the term "Indians" for Native Americans.
• Columbus's voyages did not reach the North or South American mainland.
• His arrival in the Caribbean led to enslavement and mistreatment of indigenous people.

The Pope's Division of the New World

• The Pope divided the New World between Spain and Portugal (Treaty of Tordesillas).
• Cultural, political, and religious implications of this division.

The Spanish Conquistadors

Motivation

• Motivated by the three G's: Gold, God, and Glory.
• Opportunities for wealth, religious conversion, and personal advancement.

Hernán Cortés

• Cortés initially fled Cuba as a fugitive.
• Used translators (shipwrecked Spaniards and Malinche) to communicate with indigenous tribes.
• Cortés's mission led to the encounter with the Aztecs and their eventual conquest.

The Aztec Conquest

• Spaniards met with Aztec emissaries upon landing in Veracruz.
• Cortés was invited to meet King Moctezuma in Tenochtitlán.

Conclusion

• The lecture highlighted the complexities of cultural interactions and the far-reaching consequences of European conquest in the Americas.
• Encourages reevaluation of preconceived notions about Native American and European histories.