The Conquest of Mexico is a notable event recorded differently by the Aztecs and the Cortes. According to Cortés, reports by the Aztecs exist since 1519, demonstrating their inventiveness (“Modern History Sourcebook: Hernan Cortés”, n.d.). They used sketch writing instead of the alphabetic method. The second letter to Charles, dated October 30, 1520, was published in November, 1524, and was interpreted from Spanish to Latin by Petrus Savorgnus (“Modern History Sourcebook: A Aztec Account”, n.d.). Cortés explains that it contains the first printed plan of the Aztec city, which Cortes and his soldiers attacked and destroyed in 1521 (“Modern History Sourcebook: Hernan Cortés”, n.d.). Cortes is more accurate in reviewing what happened in the Aztec capital. Exact descriptions provide affirmation that his letter is a primary source.
Aztecs’ presentation of the Conquest of Mexico discloses much about the conqueror, while Cortes describes the Aztec Capital events. Both accounts have biases and exaggeration and understate their native supporters’ encouragement. For example, the Aztecs overstated people’s support to the Conquest and ignored their companions, while the Cortes emphasized their faithfulness and significance to the Spanish’s success. However, Cortes’ letters sent back to Spain prompted Velazquez to name Hernan Cortes as the commander, which created jealousy and bitterness among the Spanish mob in their territory (“Modern History Sourcebook: Hernan Cortés”, n.d.). Moreover, licenses for expeditions permitted the crown to maintain sovereignty over recently defeated lands while not endangering its property in the enterprise.
The victory of Cortes over the Aztecs led to an unusual period of European growth in America. In the subsequent two centuries, the Spanish integrated their laws over many Native American communities. The Spanish establishment and the slavery led to negotiations in Europe about the power to enslave Native Americans. Europeans who relocated to the area replaced the native community. New foods initially unknown to Europeans were available in American society. European and American communities that initially were not aware of each other’s existence initiated communication. Opinions and skills were shared and facilitated the current world in which Europeans live today.
In conclusion, the accounts of the stories have different angles of interpretation from the Cortes’s and the Aztecs. However, one clear aspect is that both accounts describe biased and exaggerated documentation; however, they present a first-person account of the Aztec society’s culture and structure. Cortes also covered a notable amount of information about the Aztec philosophy by demonstrating the Aztec city events, making the Cortes account accurate.
Reference
Modern History Sourcebook: Hernan Cortés: from Second Letter to Charles V, 1520. (n.d.). Fordham University. Web.
Modern History Sourcebook: An Aztec Account of the Conquest of Mexico. (n.d.). Fordham University. Web.