United States History to 1865 Essay

United States History to 1865


Death, destruction, and doom were a result of the Spanish explorers. It is logical to assume that all the Spanish weapons and diseases conquered the Indians. However, it would be foolish not to consider the other factors that may have assisted them. Historians debate the true population of Indians prior to Columbus’s search for Asia. This plays an important role in discovering the Spanish victory in taking over the New World. Another important factor that Dr. Brinkley mentioned in chapter one stated that the Indian tribes were loosely connected.
As the book discusses, Hernando Cortes’s first attempt to defeat the Aztec’s did not turn out as planned. The Aztec was known to have a population of 100,000 in 1500. This is the same era Cortes took only 600 soldiers to Tenochtitlan. Logically, this first attempt failed because there was reported to be more natives than soldiers. They were out numbered. Only after small pox killed off Indians was the second mission a success.
Brutal photos show the weapons that the Spanish carried were superior to the natives. While the natives had only spears and minimal protection, Spanish came equipped with body armor, guns, and crossbows. During our previous class meeting we had a debate on how many men can one person kill with a very old gun that shoots off every minute. If the number of Indians were low the chances of the conquistador success is higher by using an advanced weapon, but if the natives out numbered the Spanish there could be the possible chance of natives winning. This shows the importance of a factual population prior to Columbus.
Another wise aspect to consider when discussing the Spanish’s victory would be the Indian’s lifestyle. First, how did the tribes interact with one another?   Tribes in North America were said to view life in their own community, and not as a whole. If the Indian’s viewed their precious land and protected it as one nation, history’s outcome may have...