History: Aztec Discussion Response
The prominent myth represented in this textbook excerpt is the “Conquistador Myth,” or the idea that both the dominance and cultural superiority of Spaniards allowed for a swift conquering of indigenous populations. To illustrate, the text mentions how the Spanish exercised great power with their horses, firearms, cannons, and steel swords. The passage then states that these weapons offered the Spanish an overwhelming advantage over the Aztec. Yet, as discussed in this week’s lecture, Spanish weaponry such as guns were not always as effective as indigenous technology like crossbows. The depictions of the Aztec throughout the summary offer little explanation of indigenous weaponry or resistance against the conquistadors, aside from the brief mention of a revolt against Cortés. As a result, this passage concurs with the myth by implying that the Aztec were a weak, unadvanced population, dumbfounded by the Spanish might. The text does not paint the Spanish in an entirely positive light, with mention of the subsequent forced work, hunger, and diseases that colonization inflicted onto indigenous populations. However, in terms of cultural superiority, the book offers little criticism of newly introduced European political and economic ideas, suggesting they were preferable to the “oppressive” Aztec rule of the past.