The Complexities of the Mexica Fall: A Different Perspective
More than 500 years after the violent fall of the Mexica empire, we have yet to overcome its psychological impact. The way this history has been narrated has fostered a sense of inferiority and abandonment, poisoning us with grudges and resentments, according to Francisco Martín Moreno, author of “Los tiempos malditos”.
Beyond the Unilateral Castilian Victory
The conquest of Tenochtitlan should not be seen as a unilateral Castilian victory. Hernán Cortés had the collaboration of numerous indigenous peoples who saw the arrival of foreigners as an opportunity to free themselves from the relentless Mexica dominance. Moreover, the smallpox was the decisive factor that enabled the defeat of the powerful Mexica army, as pointed out by Moreno.
Parallels Between History and Present-Day Mexico
Reflecting on the similarities between that historical episode and present-day Mexico, Moreno notes that during Cortés’ 235 days in Tenochtitlan, the Mexica were tired of feeding and healing the invading tlaxcaltecas and Spaniards. Many women were sexually assaulted by the Castilians, resulting in pregnancies or syphilis infection.
This Mexica passivity, Moreno argues, mirrors the current Mexican situation when institutions are being dismantled without public protest. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing this parallel to understand and address contemporary issues.
Distinguishing Conquest from Invasion
Moreno stresses the need to differentiate between discussing the Spanish conquest of Mexico and the Castilian invasion of Tenochtitlan. He argues that attributing the conquest solely to the Spanish is historically inaccurate, as it was an alliance between tlaxcaltecas, huejotzingas, Chalcas, and Castilian companions of Cortés against the Mexica.
Reactions to Moreno’s Narrative
Moreno has faced criticism, particularly when challenging the Cortés’ heroic image. He questions why Carlos V, the King of Spain, never appointed Cortés as Viceroy of New Spain despite his conquests. Investigating the judgments of residence ordered by the King led Moreno to uncover the mysterious deaths of Luis Ponce de León and two other judges sent to investigate Cortés.
Malinalli’s Role and Misconceptions
Moreno clarifies Malinalli’s intentions when she allegedly wanted to gouge Moctezuma’s eyes. As a slave with a tragic childhood, her dream was to take revenge on the Mexica for killing her father. Malinalli, however, was not a traitor but an advocate for her people against Mexica exploitation and extortion.
The Crucial Role of Smallpox
Moreno emphasizes that the invasion was not a military feat by Castilians but rather the outcome of a devastating sanitary crisis caused by smallpox in Tenochtitlan’s population. The arrival of infected African slaves with Pánfilo de Narváez triggered the contagion, leading to Cortés’ decision to eliminate them to avoid blame for the ensuing mortality.
Overcoming Historical Psychological Impact
Moreno insists that we have not overcome the psychological impact of the Mexica fall, which has turned into a sense of inferiority and abandonment. He urges readers to learn this history accurately so future generations won’t grow up with complexes.
Lessons from the Past for Present-Day Mexico
Moreno draws parallels between the 235 days of Cortés’ stay in Tenochtitlan and contemporary Mexico’s passivity in the face of dismantled institutions. He warns that this historical pattern of silence and inaction, which allowed the invasion to proceed, mirrors today’s complacency regarding the erosion of republican institutions, the state of law, and autonomous bodies.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main argument of Francisco Martín Moreno in “Los tiempos malditos”? Moreno argues that we have not overcome the psychological impact of the Mexica fall, which has resulted in a sense of inferiority and abandonment. He also distinguishes between the conquest and invasion of Tenochtitlan, emphasizing the role of smallpox and indigenous allies in the Spanish victory.
- Why does Moreno believe we should differentiate between conquest and invasion? Moreno insists on this distinction to provide a more accurate historical narrative, as the victory was not solely due to Spanish military prowess but also an alliance with indigenous groups and the devastating effects of smallpox.
- What role did Malinalli play in the events surrounding Moctezuma’s capture? Malinalli, though often portrayed as a traitor, was actually an advocate for her people against Mexica exploitation. She served as Cortés’ translator and advisor, warning him about potential Mexica reactions.
- How did smallpox contribute to the Spanish victory? Smallpox caused a sanitary crisis in Tenochtitlan, weakening the Mexica population and enabling the Spanish to achieve victory with the help of indigenous allies.
- What lessons can be drawn from Moreno’s historical analysis for present-day Mexico? Moreno highlights the parallels between historical passivity during the invasion and contemporary Mexico’s complacency regarding the dismantling of institutions, urging readers to learn from history to avoid repeating past mistakes.
