Overview
This lecture discusses how the Spanish conquest of Mexico, particularly the 1519 meeting between Hernán Cortés and Montezuma II, continues to be debated and reinterpreted in Mexican identity, history, and politics.
The Spanish Arrival and Initial Encounter
- In 1519, Hernán Cortés and about 500 conquistadors arrived in the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlán.
- Cortés and his men were awestruck by the city's advanced structure and size.
- Aztec Emperor Montezuma II greeted Cortés, marking a pivotal historical encounter.
Myths and Historical Narratives
- Traditional accounts claim Montezuma surrendered to Cortés, acknowledging Spanish divine right.
- Historian Matthew Restall disputes this narrative, calling it a centuries-old myth.
- Restall argues the real events involved complex warfare, not a simple surrender.
The Spanish-Aztec War and Aftermath
- The conflict is better described as the Spanish-Aztec war rather than a conquest.
- Indigenous alliances, especially with the Tlaxcallan Empire, were crucial; allies outnumbered Spaniards 50-to-1.
- Smallpox and Aztec betrayals, not Spanish heroism alone, led to Tenochtitlán's fall in 1521.
- True Spanish control took years to establish after the city's defeat.
Reassessing Aztec Civilization
- Excavations at the Templo Mayor in Mexico City reveal Aztecs were highly organized and sophisticated.
- The Spanish built their capital directly atop the Aztec city, symbolizing the layered history.
- Artifacts like the Huey Tzompantli, a skull tower, show the Aztecs' spiritual views on sacrifice.
Ongoing Debate and Modern Implications
- Mexican President López Obrador has called for Spain to apologize for colonial atrocities.
- Popular and academic interest in pre-Hispanic history is growing in Mexico.
- Misrepresenting Aztec civilization affects contemporary views of Indigenous peoples.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Conquistador — Spanish soldier-explorers involved in the conquest of the Americas.
- Tenochtitlán — The capital city of the Aztec Empire, present-day Mexico City.
- Templo Mayor — The main temple of the Aztec religion, central to their worldview.
- Tlaxcallan Empire — Indigenous state allied with Cortés against the Aztecs.
- Tzompantli — Aztec tower of skulls, symbolizing religious sacrifice.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the revised narrative of the Spanish-Aztec War for upcoming discussions.
- Explore archaeological findings from the Templo Mayor to understand Aztec society.
- Prepare to discuss the impact of historical myths on modern Mexican identity.