Introduction
Christopher Columbus and Hernán Cortes were researchers who contributed to the history of American colonization. In 1493, Columbus wrote a letter to the King and Queen of Spain after his first voyage, describing the primary campaigns he had experienced. He also talked about the potential and meaning of colonization, which was important for the kingdom to point out.
Cortes’ letters were written during his conquest of Mexico in the early 16th century, in which he justified his violent treatment of the Aztecs and described them negatively. Both letters give the reader an idea of how Europeans viewed the indigenous peoples of the colonized countries, and their analysis reveals differences in how Columbus and Cortes viewed their expeditions.
Christopher Columbus’ Letters
As he writes in his letter, Columbus often emphasizes religious motives in his research and colonization. He noted that he hoped to spread Christianity among the indigenous peoples and create colonies in which the Spaniards could “convert them to the holy Catholic faith” (Columbus 13). Columbus believed that individuals who did not identify as religious were lacking in all aspects and saw them as vulnerable to conquest and governance. The lands he discovered were ready for colonization, writing that “islands are beautiful, and present a great diversity of views” (Columbus 3). Thus, Columbus’s letter demonstrates his economic and religious motives towards the colonies and his belief in the superiority of European civilization.
Hernán Cortes’s Letters
On the other hand, Cortes’s letter demonstrates his exploratory attitude towards the indigenous peoples living in the colonies. In a second letter to Charles V, he described the Aztecs as “cruel, warlike, and given to human sacrifice” (Cortes 79). This description depicts the people as barbarians and savages, contrasting them with civilized Spaniards.
In addition, it can be seen that the motives of Cortes’ conquests were more economical. He wrote that he could find wealth in the Aztec lands and had “great hope of enriching your Majesty” (Cortes 85). The letters showed the explorer’s desire for power and wealth, which he was prepared to achieve through violence and cruelty.
Comparison
The differences between the letters of Columbus and Cortes reflect changes in European relations with indigenous peoples living in the colonies over time. At the time of Columbus’ discovery, American research had only just begun and had not met much interference from the natives. He viewed the indigenous peoples as weak and needing support from the European leadership, but he did not deny further cooperation. Cortes wrote at a time when Europeans already had colonies in America and faced resistance from residents. For him, the Aztecs were a threat to dominance, and he justified his conquests in terms of the savagery and barbarity of the indigenous peoples.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is essential to note that the letters of Columbus and Cortes provide readers with valuable insight into the relationship between Europeans and Native Americans. While Columbus emphasizes his expedition’s religious and economic motives, Cortes focuses on the financial aspect and claims Aztec barbarism. It also analyzed that future conquerors faced significant resistance from local peoples after European settlement in the American colonies. Nevertheless, it is necessary to remember that indigenous peoples had a rich and complex history, and the letters of Columbus and Cortes offer the reader only two different views on their relationship to colonization. Humanity must recognize and respect each nation’s history, determining a tolerant society and its critical thinking ability.
Works Cited
Columbus, Christopher. Letter of Christopher Columbus to Rafael Sanchez. Book on Demand, 2013.
Cortes, Hernan. Letters from Mexico. Oxford University Press, 1973.