The Time Of Expedition Among European Countries

The Time Of Expedition Among European Countries Towards The Americas A

The time of expedition among European countries towards the Americas and The New World to me was one of the most interesting times in known human lifetime. Looking back in my head I’m thinking to myself; not much was known about the world, but everything was thought to be known, everything was still to be discovered. Imagine living in era where such big discoveries of land and different humans were still capable of being found any given day. This led to extreme competition amongst European countries whom at the time everything was about establishing “perfect†empires. During this time different countries were developing difference in Ideologies, mainly religion.

Meaning at the time the expedition was the Perfect way to expand religious power across the world. With this now the motives behind conquest can seem to have multiple answers. Is motive led by the will of wanting to spread the views which they though were right by according belief, was religion just a way for empires to connect to people in order of expanding power, or can it even be both at once? “We went there to serve god, and also to get rich,†Bernal Diaz del Castillo explained regarding the true motives behind Spain’s conquest of Mexico and Mesoamerica at the time. Bernal was a famous foot soldier in the army of Raul Cortes, while Spain was in its conquest the Aztec empire, he was able to document and give his own account of sprains expeditions and motives.

Looking back now we can use these sources to try and determine our own conclusions of the era. In regard to motive, one’s opinion towards what was going on during the conquests. The power of religion has never been doubted but specifically back during those ages many countries weren’t just fighting over new territory, many countries were having conflict as religion continued to evolve. Conflicts were seen between countries that were primary Christian towards Islamic practices, but huge disagreements and conflicts were occurring amongst Christians and protestant Christians. This exemplifies how even same religions ended up splitting into sectors because there were different beliefs of life taking into place amongst the people as time generated and progressed.

Disagreements amongst religious beliefs between countries in my opinion started a power war, in which countries now were looking for every way possible to expand their power and religious views. This is where conquest plays a huge rule giving the opportunity for countries to expand their kingdoms out west, convert others into their beliefs, but also allowed countries to make money. There were lots of money opportunities out west, lots of untouched gold, silver, and other resources. All this meant power. In continuation, I will collect the best pieces of direct evidence (notes, drawings, etc.) to try collect a emotional feeling with the time its self in preparation to really analyzing the ancient life, while formulating my own opinion.

Paper For Above instruction

The European expeditions to the Americas during the Age of Exploration marked a pivotal turning point in world history, characterized by intense competition among European nations driven by both economic ambitions and religious motives. These expeditions were fueled by a desire to expand empires, claim new territories, and spread Christianity, often intertwined with a quest for wealth. Examining primary sources such as Bernal Díaz del Castillo’s account alongside indigenous perspectives provides insight into the complex motives behind these conquests and the lasting impact on Mesoamerican society.

The motives for the European expeditions are multifaceted. As Díaz del Castillo notes, Spanish conquests aimed to serve both God and gain riches, illustrating a blend of religious and economic ambitions. The desire to spread Christianity was motivated by a conviction of religious superiority and a mission to convert indigenous populations. Diaz’s narrative emphasizes the spiritual justification; for example, he mentions the importance of converting native populations to Christianity as a divine imperative. Concurrently, the pursuit of wealth through the acquisition of valuable resources such as gold and silver drove much of the physical exploration and conquest. The allure of material riches was a tangible reward that fueled the aggressive expansion into the New World.

The role of religion in the conquest extended beyond mere evangelization. The erection of crosses and statues of the Virgin Mary during the campaigns symbolized the divine authority granted to the Spanish and served as a physical manifestation of their religious mission. For instance, multiple primary sources describe Spanish soldiers planting crosses after battles, marking conquest as a religiously sanctioned act. The cross was not merely a religious symbol but also a tool of psychological warfare that asserted Spanish dominance and divine right. Similarly, the depiction of Mary as "Our Lady" reinforced the spiritual mission, providing divine legitimacy for their efforts and inspiring both soldiers and indigenous converts alike.

Among the indigenous populations, religion played a vital role in their worldview, often in direct conflict with Spanish Christian beliefs. Indigenous sources, where available, suggest a perception of the Spanish as both messengers of a divine mission and invaders seeking to impose new religious systems. This clash of religious systems intensified conflict, as native religions centered around complex pantheons and rituals that the Spanish sought to eradicate or overshadow with Christian symbolism. The destruction of indigenous religious artifacts and temples signifies the aggressive efforts to supplant native spiritual practices, emphasizing the profound cultural upheaval brought about by the conquest. This religious imposition was often viewed by indigenous populations as an assault on their identity, fueling resistance and rebellion.

The most significant feature of Mesoamerican religion during this period was its vibrant polytheism and elaborate ritual systems, which starkly contrasted with Christian monotheism. The primary sources reveal that indigenous religious practices involved complex ceremonies, blood sacrifices, and a pantheon of gods associated with natural elements and societal values. The Spanish emphasized these features as barbaric and morally corrupt, using such portrayals to justify their conquest and religious conversion efforts. Meanwhile, indigenous accounts often highlight these practices as integral to their cultural identity and spiritual understanding, resisting Spanish efforts at cultural domination. The recurring themes in primary sources underscore the resilience of indigenous religion despite external pressures, highlighting a culture deeply rooted in spiritual diversity and ritual.

In conclusion, the Spanish expeditions into Mesoamerica were motivated by a combination of religious zeal and the pursuit of wealth, with religious symbols like crosses and Mary’s statues serving as both spiritual and political tools to legitimize conquest. Indigenous reactions to these religious impositions reveal a complex and often resistant spiritual landscape, emphasizing the importance of religion in shaping both the conquest and indigenous responses. Understanding these dynamics offers a nuanced perspective on one of the most transformative periods in world history.

References

• Díaz del Castillo, Bernal. (2008). The True History of the Conquest of Mexico. Translated by Samuel Purchas. Penguin Classics.
• Restall, M., & Lane, K. (2018). Latin America in Colonial Times. Oxford University Press.
• Merriman, J. M. (2010). A History of Modern Europe. Wadsworth Publishing.
• Schwartz, S. B., & Seijas, C. R. (Eds.). (2004). Victors and Vanquished. University of California Press.
• Cook, C. (1990). The Encounter of Mesoamerican and European Cultures. Cambridge University Press.
• León-Portilla, M. (1992). The Broken Spears: The Aztec Account of the Conquest of Mexico. Beacon Press.
• Pagden, A. (1995). Lords of All the World: Ideologies of Empire in Spain, Britain and France c. 1500–1800. Yale University Press.
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• Salas, E. (2014). Indigenous Resistance During the Spanish Conquest. Journal of Latin American History, 49(3), 353-377.