The Conquistadors
The Conquest of Mexico and the conversion of the peoples of New Spain can and should be included among the histories of the world, not only because it was well done but because it was very great. . . . Long live, then, the name and memory of him [Cortés] who conquered so vast a land, converted such a multitude of men, cast down so many men, cast down so many men, cast down so many idols, and put an end to so much sacrifice and the eating of human flesh! —Francisco López de Gómara (1552) When people are asked, “who were the Conquistadors and what did they do?” One may respond, “Conquistadors came from Spain and settled the Americas.” An answer such as that may suffice and is factual. However, the Conquistadors were more than settlers, their name, translated from the Spanish, literally means conqueror. They were on a mission from Spain to settle Mesoamerica and spread Christianity, but most Conquistadors desired fortune and fame. First, Conquistadors were much more than Spanish settlers; some began aggressive expeditions in search of great wealth and status. Others were financed by Spain to find a water route to the East. Second, Conquistadors dominated Mesoamerica from Cuba to Mexico. They defeated and subjugated the Aztec Empire decimating hundreds of people in the process. Third, Conquistador conquered many civilizations including the Mayans. Though it did not take much effort to dominate Mayan lands, they left a profound impact. Forth, all the expeditions of the Conquistadors had a profound impact on the existence of Mesoamerican civilizations. All of them left death and destruction in the wake of their desire to gain wealth, power and territory for themselves and Spain. The Conquers brought with them death and disease, infecting native people with fever, small pox and plague; killing them and forever decimating civilizations that stood for years without interference. First, Conquistadors were much more than Spanish settlers; some took on aggressive
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