The Rest Is History 385. The Fall of the Aztecs: The Woman Who Changed The World (Part 2)
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Nov 7, 2023 Hernán Cortés embarks on a quest filled with ambition and greed, aiming to conquer the Aztec Empire. The story reveals the complexities of colonialism and the ethical dilemmas faced by the conquistadors. A key player, La Malinche, once a slave, becomes vital as interpreter and advisor, navigating cultural tensions. Her dual legacy as both traitor and survivor emerges amidst the chaos. Cortés's strategies, including his decision to beach his ships, underscore his commitment to conquest, leading toward the inevitable clash with Montezuma.
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Cortés's Speech
- Hernán Cortés, setting sail from Cuba, rallied his men with promises of wealth and glory in the unknown lands.
- He invoked God and Spain, promising to make them the richest men who ever crossed the sea.
Cortés's Motives
- Cortés's motives blend religious zeal, ambition, and greed, reflecting the complex justifications for conquest.
- The Spanish saw spreading Christianity as a good deed while also desiring gold and glory.
Velázquez's Instructions
- Governor Velázquez sent Cortés, assuming him to be unambitious, to explore new lands and assist his nephew.
- Velázquez's instructions included charting the coast, searching for a shortcut to China and India, and even finding Amazons.