U.S. History: Aztec Civilization and Spanish Conquest Evaluation

This report examines the Aztec civilization and the Spanish conquest, focusing on the historical context and the perspectives of the Spanish conquistadors, particularly as documented by Bernal Diaz del Castillo. The report highlights the advanced nature of the Aztec civilization, contrasting its capabilities with those of Western Europe during that period. It discusses the respect commanded by Aztec leader Montecusuma and the power of the Aztec army. The report also draws a comparison between the Spanish conquistadors and English adventurers, noting their shared approach to colonization and treatment of indigenous populations. The analysis aims to provide an understanding of the Aztec society and the impact of the Spanish conquest on this civilization. The report also provides references.

Running head: HISTORY OF U.S.
History of U.S.
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1HISTORY OF U.S.
The fifteenth and the sixteenth century was an age of expansion of colonization and
expansion in the world. During this age, it can be said that different countries had embarked
on the job of discovering and conquering new areas for themselves, where they would set up
colonies in these regions. The memoirs of Bernal Diaz Del Castillo tell the readers about the
Spanish conquistadors and how they were surprised at the advancement of the Aztec Empire.
If this situation would have reversed, it can be said that the Aztecs would have easily
captured and colonized the Western Europe (Castillo, 1884). Thus, is because the Aztec
civilization was highly advanced than its time as have been admitted by the Spanish
conquistadors themselves. The article also tells the leaders about the respect which the leader
Montecusuma got form his men and army. Hence, with an army as powerful as this, it would
have been possible for the Aztecs to capture and colonize Western Europe.
It is truly said that both the English adventurers and the Spanish conquistadors were
“brother under the skin”. The main reason for this, is the fact that both of these groups have
started discovering new areas, without having any regards for the people in those areas. They
mainly viewed the natives as savages and made the work as slaves. Hence, the title is at for
both the groups (Castillo,1884).
The reading of the memoir tells the readers about the might of the Aztec army and the
respect commanded by their leader Montecusuma from his men. In addition, the town of the
Aztec kingdom was also another evidence that the Aztecs were powerful and were highly
civilized for their times.

2HISTORY OF U.S.
Reference List
del Castillo, Bernal Diaz. The Memoirs of the Conquistador Bernal de Castillo. Translated by
I.I. Lockhart. London: J. Hatchard and Son, 1844. pp. 220-21, 235-38.