Hi all,

Below are a few examples of nice responses to the in-class writing prompt we did on Tuesday (9/3). Good answers demonstrated that you had read and thought about (at least some of) the readings; very good ones gave more details and some analysis of what was similar and different in the primary sources.

The Conquest of Tenochtitlan, 17th c.

Example 1

The different perspectives represented in the primary sources were ones that came from Spaniards, but they differ in purpose as the first favors exploration and justifies it, the second is an eyewitness account of the brutal reality of it, and the third explains examples of why it should be stopped. Christopher Columbus’ recount of his first encounter with the native people from the land he things he has conquered insist on the benefits for Spain. Fray B.’s story on the brutality towards the natives he encounters explains the negative of exploration for the natives. Las Casas’ story insists that exploration should end.

Example 2

The first reading was a primary source recalling Columbus’ encounter with the natives. From his letter, he really compares & emphasizes the differences between their culture versus his. He also incorporates Christianity within his writing.

The second reading recalls the cruelty of the Spaniards & their relentlessness in conquering the Aztec land. The author of this really pities the natives.

The third reading speaks about the cruelty of the natives under the Spanish. The author is a Catholic priest, yet did not mention religion as much as the first.

Example 3

In the first primary source we read for class Columbus talks about his encounters with the native people. In his writing, he talks about it as a very positive thing–he describes in depth the rich mines and waters that contain gold for instance. Mostly, he paints a picture of the natives as a very simple and kind people who “never say no” and “may be made Christians.” In his view, the natives are grateful for their arrival and think that Columbus and others have come from the sky. It’s a completely positive look.

In the second primary source, the Spanish’s harsh and atrocious treatment of native people as slaves is the focus. The people are made to work hard and mine for gold and given not nearly enough to survive in return. He reveals that Spaniards only see the natives as slaves.