The Spanish and the Aztecs :Worldview in Conflict

RESEARCH NOTES

They strike out the wretched Indians' chest with flint knives, and hastily tear out the palpitating heart, which, with the blood, they present to the idols.

The Conquest of New Spain by Bernal Diaz

you have found the above quote as part of your inquiry about how the Aztecs used sacrifice in their culture. what would you need to be aware of if you used this quote?

• The author has a similar worldview as the Aztecs

• The author spoke a different language than the Aztecs

• The author has a different perspective from the Aztecs

What element of Aztec worldview would provoke the strongest reaction in response to the image?

• Political

• Economic

• Religious

Characteristics of an ideal Aztec Citizen

Courage - Aztecs were expected to show courage and deal with hardships without complaining because it made the army strong

Self - Sacrifice - The group was considered more important than the individual. Every Aztec had to be willing to sacrifice possessions, comfort and even life itself, for the good of the country

Modest - No one, not even the greatest warrior, was to boast about personal achievements or do anything else to stand out from the crowd.

Clean Living - People had to keep themselves healthy and avoid over indulging in food and drink. The Aztecs harshly punished what they considered evil behavior.

Obedience - Everyone had to obey superiors without question, because this helped preserve social order.

What would be the best question to ask from the above information?

• How did the Aztec Worldview affect how they lived their lives?

• Did the Aztec mothers and fathers teach these values to their children?

• Why did the Aztecs insist upon absolute loyalty to the Emperor and priests?

Which of the following is false of Aztec civilization prior to contact with the Spanish?

• The Aztecs valued the slaves they took into captivity

• The Aztecs used slaves to sacrifice to the gods

• The Aztecs were aware that the Spanish people existed

Switzerland has an old and long established tradition of not interfering with its neighbours. For many years, Switzerland has not fought in any wars ; it has a policy of not taking sides in outside conflicts, thereby not making an enemies and not being seen as a threat to any nation. However, Switzerland does maintain a strong military, so it is able to defend itself if attacked.

Which of the following statements accurately describes how the policy of Switzerland in the reading above compares to the polices of the Spanish and Aztec Nations at the time of their contact in 1519?

• Switzerland was simlar to the Azte Empire, but not to Spain

• Switzerland's policy was similar to both the Aztec Empire and the Spanish

• Switzerland's policy was different from both the Aztec Empire and the Spanish.

I know in my heart that we shall take cast and wealthy lands. We are waging a just and good war, which will bring us fame. Almighty God, in whose name it will be waged, will give us victory.. If you do not abandon me, as I shall not abandon you, I shall make you the richest men who ever crossed the seas.

-- Hernan Cortes

According to Cortes, what is the strongest reason for pursuing exploration?

• Glory

• Wealth

• Knowledge

If you were to write a book about why the Spaniards were successful in their conquest of the Aztecs, which book title would BEST represent your ideas?

• The Power of Gold

• Guns, Germs, and Steel

• Fame and Fortune

Which of the following Aztec practices most clashed with Spanish Worldview?

• Sacrificing humans to the gods

• Capturing prisoners of war as slaves

• Expanding territory through conquest

"The Aztecs had a strong belief that it was important to alter the geography of the are in which they lived in order to improve their ability to survive" Which Aztec action could be used to support this statement?

• The Aztecs settled in high Valley of Mexico

• The Aztecs built dams and chinampas on Lake Texcoco

• The Aztecs created a calendar which showed their belief in the history of the world

With exploration there was an exchange of goods and products between nations. This sharing had negative and positive effects on both the European and the Indigenous populations. What was the greatest impact to the Indigenous populations?

• Diseases

• Crops

• Wealth