Summary

Hernán Cortés's *Cartas de relación* argues that his conquest of Mexico was divinely ordained and strategically necessary for the Spanish Crown, justifying his rebellion against the governor of Cuba and his subsequent actions. These letters, addressed to King Charles I of Spain, detail his expedition's progress, the societies encountered, and the rationale behind his decisions, positioning him as a loyal servant bringing new territories and riches to Spain. The narrative emphasizes the perceived barbarity and idolatry of the indigenous populations, particularly the Aztecs, thereby legitimizing Spanish intervention and conversion efforts.

The key ideas presented include the vast wealth of the Aztec empire, the sophisticated political and social structures observed (though often framed within a European lens), and the military challenges faced and overcome by the Spanish. Cortés's accounts serve as a primary source, offering a perspective on the initial stages of the Spanish conquest that shaped subsequent historical interpretations and the development of New Spain. Readers gain insight into the justifications and methodologies of early European colonization.

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Key concepts

Requerimiento — A Spanish declaration that, in theory, required indigenous peoples to acknowledge the authority of Spain and the Catholic Church, or face war.
Encomienda — A system of land and labor grants from the Spanish Crown to conquistadors, effectively establishing a form of feudalism where indigenous people were obligated to provide tribute and labor.
Tenochtitlan — The capital city of the Aztec Empire, described by Cortés in vivid detail, serving as a testament to the civilization's grandeur and the scale of its eventual conquest.
Idolatery — Cortés's term for the indigenous religious practices, which he viewed as demonic and in dire need of replacement by Christianity.