Historia verdadera de la conquista de la Nueva España by Bernal Díaz del CASTILLO Part 1/6

Key Concepts

• Conquista de la Nueva España: The Spanish conquest of what is now Mexico.
• Testigo de vista: Eyewitness account.
• Indios: Indigenous people of the Americas.
• Cacique: Indigenous chief or leader.
• Teules: A term used by indigenous people to refer to the Spanish, often associated with gods or supernatural beings.
• Mesoamérica: A cultural region in the Americas, comprising parts of Mexico and Central America.
• Evangelización: The process of converting people to Christianity.
• Real Quinto: The royal fifth, a tax of 20% on precious metals and other valuable items claimed by the Spanish Crown.
• Encomienda: A Spanish labor system that rewarded conquerors with the labor of particular groups of subject people.
• Matalotaje: Provisions or supplies for a journey or expedition.

Summary

I. Introduction and Author's Purpose

• Bernal Díaz del Castillo, a testigo de vista (eyewitness), introduces his account of the conquest of New Spain. He states his purpose is to provide a true and clear history, correcting errors and biases found in Francisco López de Gómara's book.
• He emphasizes his direct involvement in all battles and encounters, asserting the accuracy of his narrative.
• He mentions supporting evidence, including letters from Hernando Cortés and the Viceroy Don Antonio de Mendoza.
• Quote: "Lo que en este libro se contiene va muy verdadero que como testigo de vista me hallé en todas las batallas y reencuentros de guerra" ("What is contained in this book is very true, as I was an eyewitness to all the battles and war encounters").

II. Early Expeditions and Discoveries (1514-1518)

• A. Initial Journey to Tierra Firme (1514):
  • Díaz del Castillo departs from Castile with Governor Pedro Arias de Ávila.
  • They arrive at Nombre de Dios, facing pestilence and conflicts among captains.
  • Vasco Núñez de Balboa, initially in good standing, is later executed by Pedro Arias de Ávila.
• B. Move to Cuba and First Expedition to Yucatán (1517):
  • Díaz del Castillo and other soldiers seek permission to go to Cuba, governed by Diego Velázquez.
  • They join Francisco Hernández de Córdoba to explore new lands.
  • They acquire three ships, including one from Diego Velázquez under the condition of enslaving indigenous people from the Guanaj islands.
  • The soldiers reject the enslavement condition.
  • They depart from Jaruco, Cuba, with 110 soldiers, three pilots (Antón de Alaminos, Camacho de Triana, Juan Álvarez), and a priest (Alonso González).
  • They discover Yucatán, naming the first encountered settlement "El Gran Cairo."
  • They encounter indigenous people in canoes, initially showing signs of peace.
  • They land at Punta de Cotoche, where they are ambushed by the natives.
  • They find a plaza with calicanto houses (adoratorios) containing idols and gold objects.
  • They capture two indigenous people, Melchor and Julián, who later become interpreters.
• C. Discovery of Campeche and Potonchan:
  • They sail westward, discovering Campeche (named "Domingo de Lázaro").
  • They encounter a ritual involving the sacrifice of indigenous people.
  • They are warned by priests (papas) to leave before a fire is lit, signaling war.
  • They sail to Potonchan, where they face a major battle.
• D. Battle of Potonchan:
  • The Spanish are attacked by a large force of indigenous warriors.
  • They suffer heavy casualties, with over 50 soldiers killed.
  • They retreat to their boats and escape, naming the area "Bahía de Mala Pelea."
  • They decide to return to Cuba.
• E. Return to Cuba and Encounters in Florida:
  • They face severe thirst and hardship during the return journey.
  • They attempt to find water in Florida, where they are attacked by natives.
  • They lose a soldier and suffer more injuries.
  • They finally reach La Habana, Cuba.

III. Grijalba's Expedition (1518)

• Diego Velázquez organizes a second expedition, led by Juan de Grijalba, with Pedro de Alvarado, Francisco de Montejo, and Alonso de Ávila as captains.
• Díaz del Castillo joins the expedition, which consists of 240 soldiers.
• The expedition's instructions are to trade for gold and silver and to establish a settlement if deemed appropriate.
• They sail to Cozumel, finding it deserted.
• They rescue a Jamaican woman who speaks a language understood by some of the Spanish.
• They sail to Champotón, where they face another battle.
• They explore the coast, discovering Boca de Términos, Río de Tabasco (Grijalba), and other landmarks.
• They encounter indigenous people with banners at Río de Banderas, where they trade for gold.
• They reach Isla de Sacrificios, where they find evidence of human sacrifice.
• They arrive at San Juan de Ulúa, where they meet representatives of Montezuma.
• Pedro de Alvarado is sent back to Cuba with the gold and news of their discoveries.

IV. Cortés Takes Command (1518-1519)

• Diego Velázquez, influenced by negative reports about Grijalba, decides to send another armada.
• Hernando Cortés is chosen as captain-general, forming a partnership with Andrés de Duero and Amador de Lares.
• Cortés prepares for the expedition, acquiring arms, supplies, and ships.
• He faces opposition from Velázquez's relatives, who try to undermine his authority.
• Cortés sails to La Trinidad, where he gathers more men and supplies.
• Velázquez sends orders to revoke Cortés's command, but Cortés manages to maintain control.
• Cortés sails to La Habana, where he faces further attempts to undermine his authority.
• He manages to secure the loyalty of most of his men and prepares to sail to Cozumel.

V. Cortés's Expedition to Mexico (1519)

• A. Cozumel and Rescue of Jerónimo de Aguilar:
  • Cortés sails to Cozumel, where he learns about two Spanish survivors held captive by the Maya.
  • He sends a message to Jerónimo de Aguilar, who is rescued and becomes a valuable interpreter.
  • Gonzalo Guerrero refuses to leave, having assimilated into Maya society.
  • Cortés orders the destruction of indigenous idols and the establishment of Christian symbols.
• B. Journey to Tabasco and Battle of Centla:
  • Cortés sails to Tabasco, where he faces resistance from the natives.
  • He engages in battle, defeating the Tabascans and establishing peace.
  • He receives gifts, including 20 women, one of whom is Doña Marina (La Malinche), who becomes Cortés's interpreter and advisor.
• C. Arrival at San Juan de Ulúa and Encounters with Montezuma's Representatives:
  • Cortés arrives at San Juan de Ulúa, where he is greeted by representatives of Montezuma.
  • He receives gifts and engages in diplomatic exchanges.
  • He learns about the power and wealth of Montezuma and the Aztec Empire.
• D. Establishing a Settlement and Rebellion Against Velázquez:
  • Cortés decides to establish a settlement, Villa Rica de la Veracruz.
  • He faces opposition from those loyal to Diego Velázquez.
  • Cortés consolidates his power, arresting and punishing those who oppose him.
  • He sends representatives to Spain to seek royal recognition and support.
• E. Alliance with the Totonacs and March Inland:
  • Cortés forms an alliance with the Totonac people, who are rebelling against Montezuma.
  • He learns about the internal conflicts within the Aztec Empire.
  • He decides to march inland towards Mexico City, despite the risks.
• F. Destruction of the Ships:
  • To prevent desertion and ensure the commitment of his men, Cortés orders the destruction of his ships.
  • This decision forces his men to rely on their courage and determination to succeed.

VI. Doña Marina (La Malinche)

• Díaz del Castillo provides a detailed account of Doña Marina's background, emphasizing her noble lineage and her role as a key figure in the conquest.
• He describes how she was sold into slavery as a child and eventually came into the possession of Cortés.
• He highlights her linguistic skills, intelligence, and political acumen, which made her an invaluable asset to the Spanish.

VII. March to Mexico and Encounters with Indigenous Peoples

• A. Alliance with the Totonacs:
  • Cortés forms an alliance with the Totonac people, who are rebelling against Montezuma.
  • He learns about the internal conflicts within the Aztec Empire.
• B. Journey to Cempoala and Destruction of Idols:
  • Cortés and his men travel to Cempoala, where they are welcomed by the Totonacs.
  • Cortés orders the destruction of indigenous idols and the establishment of Christian symbols.
• C. Alliance with Tlaxcala:
  • Cortés seeks an alliance with the Tlaxcalans, who are enemies of the Aztecs.
  • He sends messengers to Tlaxcala, but they are initially captured.
  • The Spanish face resistance from the Tlaxcalans, engaging in several battles.

VIII. Actions Taken by Diego Velázquez

• Diego Velázquez, angered by Cortés's actions, sends a representative to Spain to denounce him.
• He also organizes a large armada, led by Pánfilo de Narváez, to arrest Cortés and take control of the expedition.

IX. Sending Representatives to Spain

• Cortés sends Alonso Hernández Puerto Carrero and Francisco de Montejo to Spain to seek royal recognition and support.
• They carry with them a large amount of gold and other treasures as gifts for the Spanish Crown.
• They face opposition from Bishop Juan Rodríguez de Fonseca, who is a supporter of Diego Velázquez.

X. Conclusion

• Díaz del Castillo concludes this portion of his narrative by emphasizing the challenges and dangers faced by the Spanish conquistadors.
• He highlights the importance of Cortés's leadership, the bravery of his men, and the role of divine providence in their success.
• He reiterates his commitment to providing an accurate and truthful account of the conquest, correcting the errors and biases of other historians.

Technical Terms and Concepts

• Calicanto: A type of construction using lime and stone, indicating a more advanced level of building.
• Cues: Indigenous temples or pyramids.
• Zaum erios: Incense or aromatic substances used in religious rituals.
• Chalchihuites: Green stones, highly valued in Mesoamerican cultures.
• Tepustepec os: A term used to refer to the Totonac people.
• Tecci huata: A term used to refer to a great lady or noblewoman.
• Tatoan: A term used to refer to a lord or ruler.
• Tale: A term used to refer to the land where the Yuca plants were planted.
• Jiquipilas: A term used to refer to a large number of people.
• Alcalde: A mayor or local magistrate.
• Regidores: Council members or aldermen.
• Alférez: A standard-bearer or ensign.
• Alguacil Mayor: A high constable or chief law enforcement officer.
• Maestre de Campo: A field marshal or senior military officer.
• Tamemes: Indigenous porters or carriers.
• Tepuz ques: A term used to refer to the cannons.
• Chinchorros: A small fishing net.
• Azuas: A term used to refer to the flat roofs of the houses.

Logical Connections

• The narrative progresses chronologically, starting with Díaz del Castillo's initial journey to Tierra Firme and continuing through the early expeditions to Yucatán and the arrival of Cortés in Mexico.
• Each section builds upon the previous one, providing context and background information for the events that follow.
• The author frequently interrupts the main narrative to provide explanations, clarifications, and corrections of other historical accounts.
• He also uses foreshadowing to hint at future events and developments.

Data, Research Findings, or Statistics

• The number of soldiers in various expeditions is mentioned, such as 110 in the first expedition to Yucatán and 240 in Grijalba's expedition.
• The amount of gold obtained through trade and gifts is specified, such as 20,000 pesos in Grijalba's expedition and 15,000 pesos at Río de Banderas.
• Casualty figures from battles are provided, such as over 50 soldiers killed at Potonchan and 56 killed in the battle with Francisco Hernández de Córdoba.
• The number of horses and ships in Cortés's armada is mentioned, with 16 horses and 11 ships.
• The number of indigenous warriors in various encounters is estimated, such as 3000 in the ambush of the Spanish.
• The number of people sacrificed in the temples is estimated, such as over 100,000 skulls in one location.

Synthesis/Conclusion

Bernal Díaz del Castillo's account provides a detailed and personal perspective on the early stages of the Spanish conquest of Mexico. He emphasizes the importance of eyewitness testimony, the challenges faced by the conquistadors, and the complex relationships between the Spanish and the indigenous peoples. He highlights the role of key figures such as Cortés, Doña Marina, and various indigenous leaders, and he provides valuable insights into the political, social, and cultural dynamics of the time. His narrative serves as a valuable historical document, offering a unique and often critical perspective on the events that shaped the history of Mexico.