The document summarizes seven myths about the Spanish conquest of the Americas presented in a book. It discusses how the conquest is often portrayed as the achievement of a small group of adventurers, while ignoring the contributions of native allies and African slaves. It also notes that the conquistadors attributed their success to divine favor, serving the king, and fighting for survival, but other important factors were their technological advantages and native populations being devastated by disease. All accounts of the conquest were written by the biased Spanish conquistadors.

1. Seven Myths of the
Spanish Conquest
History 140: History/Americas thru
1800
Dr. Arguello
Patricia Fonseca
November 20, 2011

2. Seven Myths of the Spanish Conquest
Acknowledgements & Introduction
• The number seven has significant meaning in regards to the
history of America.
• The origin myth of Mexica started with a tale of descent from
seven lineages emerging from seven caves in a mythical
location in the north of Mexico.
• The basis of Spanish law during the Conquest period was
called “The Seven Items”.
• The seven myths of the Conquest are all found in the Cortes
legend.
• The term “myth” is not used in the sense of folklore or
supernatural terms. It is used by the meaning of not being
based in truth.

3. Seven Myths of the Spanish Conquest
Chapter 1: A Handful of Adventurers
• It is virtually undisputed that the discovery of the Americas has been
one of the most important events in world history.
• Columbus’ discovery of America, while celebrated as a personal
achievement, was an accidental byproduct of Portuguese expansion,
of Portuguese-Castilian competition for Atlantic control, and of
Portuguese-Castilian competition for a sea route to India. Any other
adventurer would soon have discovered America in search of Asia.
• However, after the discovery of America, royal officials wrote and
published a letter claiming it to be a Spanish achievement with
Columbus acting on their behalf.
• These types of letters are taken as fact and are used in chronicling
history. Cortes wrote many letters regarding his own success of the
Conquest. He was supported by the Franciscans, humanists, and
other intellectuals in similar writings.

4. Seven Myths of the Spanish Conquest
Chapter 3: Invisible Warriors
• As the battles between the Spaniards and the natives are
recounted, the scene is painted as one of a miraculous victory
of outnumbered conquistadors against hordes of barbarians.
The many free and enslaved Africans and the friendly natives
that acted as allies of the conquistadors are entirely ignored
and forgotten.
• Native men fought and transported supplies while the native
women cooked and became romantic companions, later
acting as servants.
• The help of native allies was essential in that they supported
Cortes in wars but also gave supplies that were needed.
• As the Spaniards searched for native allies, they took
advantage of civil rivalry and regional politics.

5. Seven Myths of the Spanish Conquest
Chapter 7: Apes and Men
• The Spaniards attributed their success against the native
forces to three things. One, to spread the faith of God to the
natives. Two, because they were fighting on behalf of the
king. Three, because they were fighting for their lives.
• The success the Spanish experienced against the natives is
explained in the fact that the Spaniards were superior in their
fighting and weaponry, but these were not the sole factors in
their victories.
• The discovery of “saltpeter” played a huge significance for the
Spanish as it allowed them to make gunpowder.
• Epidemics were sweeping through native villages and were
decimating their people.
• Another factor to consider is the native’s willingness to
compromise to save their homes, families and lives.

6. Seven Myths of the Spanish Conquest
Epilogue
• When comparing texts describing different events,
conquistador stereotypes of “Indians” are constantly
repeated. Natives are spoken of as duplicitous, scheming,
untrustworthy, easily frightened, credulous, and superstitious.
• When the actions of the natives are described, however, they
do not reflect the natives as being frightened, fatalistic or
traumatized victims.
• All of the accounts we base or collective history on were
written by the Spaniards who were biased when describing
their tales.
• These stories were perceived by conquistadors and
reconstructed and reified repeatedly over the centuries by
colonial Spaniards .