Conquest of New Spain – A Different Side of Cortes Essay Example

clear that these people were primitive and unrefined, as they hardly engaged in diplomacy before attacking. It is worth noting that Cortes did not engage in looting or aggression towards the natives. For instance, when some men stole from an Indian town, he ordered for compensation and reimbursement of all their consumed goods.

Despite receiving no kindness from the Aztecs, Cortes attempted to treat them kindly and even risked his life on occasion to save the lives of both natives and his own people. Adding to this, Cortes is regarded as a devoutly religious individual, holding mass with the priest in a foreign land: "Very early next morning, after hearing Fray Bartolome de Olmedo say mass..." (74).

In an effort to improve the lives of the natives, Cortes endeavored to teach them Christianity and ordered carpenters to construct a large cross as a symbol of his beliefs (81). He even encouraged the Aztecs to erect crosses in their own cities, hoping they would benefit from his ideals (97). Although some may view his approach towards their religion and idols as disrespectful and indicative of ignorance or arrogance, Cortes's motives were purely benevolent. His aim was not personal gain through their conversion to Christianity; he simply wanted what he believed was best for them.

Recognizing that the Aztecs lived differently than European civilizations, he attempted to introduce Christianity to them because he believed that all people were capable of receiving God's blessings. To maintain his principles, he refused to allow his army to take slaves on their way to Tenochtitlan and resisted the temptation of women offered to him. The Aztecs were savage in stark contrast to

the civilized Spaniards, not only technologically but also due to their participation in human sacrifice involving men and children. Disgustingly, sometimes Spaniards would enter towns and witness temples walls stained with children's blood and see Aztecs waiting in cages for sacrifice. Moreover, one temple even featured a pile of one hundred thousand skulls obtained through sacrifice.

Despite being the leader of the Aztecs, Montezuma was hit with rocks when it was discovered that he had worked with the Spanish. One account states that "Montezuma was hit by three stones, one on the head, one on the arm and one on the leg" (294). However, Cortez is praised for his brave leadership by Diaz who asks, "What men in all the world who have shown such daring?" (216). Despite knowing that the Aztecs planned to kill him and his army, Cortez showed valor by leading them into Mexico. He skillfully maneuvered around their traps and fought alongside his troops in trenches while Montezuma stayed safe in his palace. During battle, Cortez even lost a sandal but continued to fight barefoot. Interestingly enough, despite defeating him and holding him captive, Cortez treated Montezuma benevolently.

Despite Montezuma's repeated attempts to kill, ambush, and thwart Cortes' advance with traps, Cortes only resorted to holding him prisoner as a last resort. During his imprisonment, Cortes continued to show respect to Montezuma by lowering his hat and giving him the illusion of power. Despite this kindness, Montezuma continued to plot against Cortes. Contrary to popular belief, Cortes was actually a compassionate man who showed mercy towards his enemies.

Despite attempting to negotiate treaties and alliances with the Indians and forgiving them for their numerous

betrayals and traps, Cortes ultimately could not pardon them after the slaughter of hundreds of his fellow Spaniards during la Noche de Triste. Therefore, he was forced to devastate Tenochtitlan and eliminate all traces of the Aztec civilization from Mexico, having exhausted all diplomatic options.

The tragedy was brought upon the Indians due to their own deceit and treachery towards a kind-hearted man; thus, they had no one else to hold responsible but themselves.