Indian ConquistadorsLauren Campbell

Mesoamerican Conquistadors in the 16th Century• “The fall of the

Tenochtitlan emphasizes the military prowess of the conquerors, eclipses the presence of black soldiers completely, and marginalizes the part played by the Tlaxcalteca and other native allies of invaders.”

• Hernando Cortes- superiority of Spanish military resources.

Mesoamerican Conquistadors in the 16th Century

•“Mexica 1519-21 helps to illuminate the important ways in which the nominal subordination of native forces to Spanish leadership was tempered by the utter dependence of Spaniards on the native warriors who consistently outnumbered them.”

Mesoamerican Conquistadors in the 16th CenturyAll Spaniards participating in the process of exploration, discovery, conquest, and colonization in the Americas were required to submit reports to royal officials, addressed directly to the king, telling what they had found and done.

Mesoamerican Conquistadors in the 16th Century• 16th century, various

indigenous groups sent letters claiming rights and privileges based on their participation in the conquest.

• Native petitioners cited the number of people involved in the conquest campaigns.

• Spanish depended on native guides, spies, and messengers whenever entering new territories that were unexplored or new to them.