Spanish Conquest Summary

The Nahua Interpretation of Spanish Conquest It is very difficult to explain defeat without seeming to make excuses. Such was the task of the Nahua chroniclers whom learned to write their language and produced the codices that were used in The Broken Spears. These accounts were put together by Native Americans roughly thirty years after the conquest based on Nahua oral history. These are not direct first hand accounts and cannot be accepted as specific historical evidence. What can be understood from this is the influences that were prevalent in their interpretations and the value they associated to the different factors that determined the Aztec fate. Their attribution to “The Giver of Life” is clear, while their account of the influence
These “Omens” shed light on their appreciation for time and history as being functioning parts of God’s will. The preordained nature of these eight omens validates their faith and acceptance in the “Giver of Life.” Even Motecuhzoma, the most powerful figure in Aztec society could appreciate their significance as he, “took it as a great and bad omen when he saw the stars mamalhuatzli.” (6) The validity of the omens is further solidified by the testimony of Munoz de Camargo who as a Spaniard had a very different perspective than the native Aztecs, but could appreciate the attention they received as he writes how, “This great marvel caused so much dread and wonder that they spoke of it constantly, trying to imagine what such a strange novelty could signify.” (7) While impossible to validate, questioning whether these omens really existed does little to help bring about the more important aspect they represent – the account for their god’s predetermined will as the main factor in the
While Motecuhzoma’s inactivity was credited in the previous example, the Tlaxcaltecas’ activity and crucial alliance with the Spanish are accounted for in the Nahua interpretation as well. The rival Tlaxcaltecas are credited with forming an alliance which proved pivotal for the Spanish victory. “We should go over to their side: we should make friends with them and be their allies. If not, they will destroy us too…” (39) This anonymous quote from a Tlaxcalteca council depicts the inferiority associated with these Aztec rivals and their cowardly motives in uniting with the Spanish. Similar to the Motecuhzoma characterization, the Tlaxcalteca add a layer of mortal agency that is much different than that of god’s will as described by the omens. Both the Cholultecas and the Aztec would capitulate to the Spanish forces with the help of the Tlaxcaltecas. Their invaluable guidance in navigating Mexico and adding sheer numbers to their militia can be described as invaluable by Nahua account. Their alliance was solidified with their ambassador, Patlahuatzin was slain by the arrogant Cholultecas to send them a message, to which the Tlaxcaltecas responded by reaching out to Cortez, “most valiant lord, we wish to accompany you in order to seek vengeance… For they have not thanked us for our good counsel, but have scorned and despised us because of our love for you.” (47) This quote really