Introduction
Spanish adventurer and conqueror Cabeza de Vaca perished in a shipwreck off the coast of Texas in 1528 along with three other crew members. They arrived in the area that is now Texas as the earliest known Europeans. For the following eight years, de Vaca would work with several Native American tribes, notably the Karankawa and Coahuiltecan tribes, as a merchant, healer, and spiritual leader. His development throughout time would have enormous ramifications for him, his friends, and Cabeza de Vaca’s position in history.
Cabeza de Vaca’s Attitude Transformation
At first, De Vaca acted like a regular conqueror during that period. He desired fame and wealth, and he viewed the native peoples as potential prey to be subjugated and converted to Christianity. His shipwreck, nevertheless, rendered everything obsolete. He and his comrades had no choice but to rely on the kindness of the locals to get by.
De Vaca’s worldview changed as a result of this encounter from that of a conqueror to one that was more hybrid (Dailymotion, 2013). He started trading, offering food, shelter, and knowledge about the region and its inhabitants in exchange for things from Europe. He also developed as a healer, treating the ill and hurt people in the tribes with his little medical expertise (Dailymotion, 2013).
De Vaca’s attitude toward the Native People changed along with his position among them. Instead of seeing them as enemies to be subdued, he started to consider them as equals. He also grew more and more critical of the Spanish colonial system, which he perceived as harsh and exploitative. De Vaca’s decisions had a big impact on him and his friends.
He and his team ultimately managed to reach Mexico, where they informed the Spanish authorities about their adventures. The earliest European description of the region and its inhabitants was provided by De Vaca, and it had a significant influence on later Spanish explorers and colonists. De Vaca personally experienced a significant influence as well (Dailymotion, 2013). He returned to Spain as a different man, fed up with the colonial system, and resolved to advance a more considerate and respectful treatment of the native peoples.
De Vaca had few alternatives as a stranded Spaniard, although he might have tried to return to Spanish coastal communities or join other Spanish expeditions. Yet, those choices were probably not practicable given the perils of the uncharted wilderness and the enmity of the native peoples toward the Spaniards. De Vaca’s decision to blend in with the locals’ culture and earn their respect may have given him the best chance of surviving.
De Vaca’s decisions and environment while residing among the Native Americans had an effect on both him and his friends. The natives slaughtered two of his crewmates, while the fourth was kidnapped and ultimately slain. De Vaca was able to survive and eventually assist his comrades who were still alive by blending in with the community and earning their trust. His friends were also affected by his interactions with the Native Americans since they saw him change from a conqueror to a merchant, healer, and spiritual guide (Dailymotion, 2013). His example undoubtedly affected how they felt towards the native peoples and could even have contributed to their survival.
Conclusion
Hence, Cabeza de Vaca’s transition from conqueror to trader, healer, and spiritual figure among the Native Americans had a tremendous impact on him and his companions as well as on his place in history. His choice to integrate into the community and treat the native inhabitants as equals rather than as enemies who needed to be subdued had a significant influence on his perspective toward them and his future deeds. His report of his adventures had a significant impact on later Spanish explorers and colonists as well. Ultimately, Cabeza de Vaca’s tale serves as a potent illustration of the ability of subjective historical experience to alter.
Work Cited
Dailymotion. (2013). Conquistadors – Episode 4. Dailymotion. Web.