Class Ning Site Posting #1

1. Why the Myth of the White Conquistador Emerged Seven Myths of the Spanish Conquest

2. To cement the idea of a victorious Spanish army, it was advantageous to tout that their army was made up of Spaniards. The Spanish army also consisted of: Africans Slaves Latin American Native Allies Political

3. Economic The Conquistadors were entrepreneurs therefore when they wrote back to Spain it was a lavishly altered version to make themselves seem more effective and miraculous then in reality. Their motives: More money from Spain if they are showing success in their endeavors Looking to build wealth off spoils of new world

4. Social Conquistadors were white Spanish, they were “superior” by the standards of the day. Therefore they would leave out their African, slave, and native soldiers so that they seemed to be the victorious ones. Africans were looked down on as pack mules Slaves were lowest in social standing Native allies were looked at as necessary but hardly the equal of the Conquistadors

5. Seven Myths of the Spanish Conquest By: Matthew Restall Chapter 3: The Myth of the White Conquistador Pg. 44-63 Content