As a result of Christopher Columbus’ discovery of the New World in 1492, Spanish men endured months of difficult voyages in search of three things in the Americas- gold, glory, and God. In addition, having had arrived with the drive to conquer, they were soon enough met with mighty and diverse civilizations that made up Mesoamerica-- proving itself to be the perfect opportunity to take the wealth of these peoples, obtain territory, and maybe convert a few souls to Catholicism. However, these civilizations were very large and very strong. The courage, strength, and the will of an “almighty God” of a small band of Spanish conquistadores alone would not have been enough to lead to the downfall of these mighty empires. Rather, regardless of how
…show more content…
Here he came into contact with a friendly group of indigenous people- who which had given him the valuable information of the enemies and opponents of the Aztec emperor, Montezuma (Documenting Latin America, 21). Upon meeting with the cacique (or leader), they had begun to air out their thoughts on the rule of Montezuma, having said that “their complaints gave vent to such tears and sighs that Cortés and the rest of us were moved to pity” (Documenting Latin America, 22). Considering that just the presence of Aztec tax-gathers had been enough to make them “tremble with fear” (Documenting Latin America, 22), yet were able to so easily obey Cortés’ orders to arrest them, it made it clear that the Cempoalan people had trust in Cortés’ leadership, as well in the military strength of the Spanish. It had been very well known that by going against Montezuma through this action would bring “death and destruction” upon them, yet they were able to put their full trust in Cortés’ reassurance, and as a result, allied with him in defeating the Mexica Empire. The Cempoalan people were the first step in obtaining strong alliances that would lead to their
Here he came into contact with a friendly group of indigenous people- who which had given him the valuable information of the enemies and opponents of the Aztec emperor, Montezuma (Documenting Latin America, 21). Upon meeting with the cacique (or leader), they had begun to air out their thoughts on the rule of Montezuma, having said that “their complaints gave vent to such tears and sighs that Cortés and the rest of us were moved to pity” (Documenting Latin America, 22). Considering that just the presence of Aztec tax-gathers had been enough to make them “tremble with fear” (Documenting Latin America, 22), yet were able to so easily obey Cortés’ orders to arrest them, it made it clear that the Cempoalan people had trust in Cortés’ leadership, as well in the military strength of the Spanish. It had been very well known that by going against Montezuma through this action would bring “death and destruction” upon them, yet they were able to put their full trust in Cortés’ reassurance, and as a result, allied with him in defeating the Mexica Empire. The Cempoalan people were the first step in obtaining strong alliances that would lead to their