The Broken Spears Quotes

In The Broken Spears, Leon-Portilla argues that the Spanish were completely at fault for the annihilation of the Aztec Empire. The author explains how many factors contributed to the downfall of the Aztecs. The Spanish had better weapons such as guns and cannons, which were much more powerful than the spears and machetes the Aztec had. The main reason the Spanish were successful in the conquest of Mexico was because they were viewed as gods by the Aztecs and indigenous tribes of Mexico. The Aztecs welcomed the Spaniards with love, affection, gifts, and festivals. This showed how powerful and influential the Spanish were among the natives.
Throughout the years, history has always been told in the perspective of the winners, the colonizers, …show more content…
First off, the story was presented by Miguel Leon-Portilla favoring and taking the side of the indigenous account of the conquest of Mexico. The author in his book describes the native’s perspective of meeting the Spanish. I feel that Leon-Portilla made the Aztecs look strong and courageous fighting against the Spanish. For example, the Aztecs were falling in numbers once they were plagued with disease, however, they continued to fight against the Spanish. They would not back down or give up. I feel Leon-Portilla may have wanted to make the Aztec’s strong and how they were resistant to the Spanish conquest. He also made the Spanish seem as if they were lucky to have been welcomed by the indigenous people because they were thought to have been gods. I also noticed that author portrays Montezuma as a weak, coward who was just paranoid about the arrival of the Spanish. For example, Leon-Portilla explains Montezuma’s paranoia, “What will happen to us? Who will outlive it...My heart burns and suffers, as if it were drowned in species…! But will our lord come here?” Montezuma was very worried about what would happen to his beloved city and people. He knew that things were never going to be the same ever again in Tenochtitlán. The author also portrays Montezuma as being manipulated by the Spanish and giving them everything they wanted. Montezuma made the mistake of believing that Hernán Cortés was Quetzalcoatl. I feel that is biased because the Spanish probably viewed Montezuma as a nice host who welcomed them into his city. We historians do not know too sure if Montezuma was seen as a good host by the Spanish view or seen as a coward through his people. Eventually, the Spanish took advantage Montezuma’s hospitality and gained control of the Aztec

Show More

Savagery In Lord Of The Flies Research Paper

Jack Lord Of The Flies Analysis

Essay on The Case for Christ

Why We Fight Essay

An Analysis of the Period from New Kingdom Egypt to the Death of Thutmose IV Essay

Gp Essay Mainpoints