While I have been a history buff since at least the second grade, throughout elementary school I went through a number of phases during which I obsessed about different subjects such as the American Civil War, World War II and the Russian Revolution. (It is always good to show diversity in one's interests.) The first of these phases was the Spanish Conquistadors, largely helped along by Ronald Syme'' mini-biographies. I did not find out until college that he was one of the leading classical historians of the twentieth century.
Admittedly this must seem an odd choice. Firstly, these Conquistadors did cause the deaths of millions of natives through the various illnesses they brought over with them to the New World and promptly massacred and enslaved everyone who was left. I must admit that it took me awhile to pick up on that fact as Syme was remarkably good at tip toeing around that topic. Not wanting to trouble the minds of young history buffs or their parents I guess. Then again, considering my command and conquer, take over the world sense of humor, perhaps that was the point. Secondly, this was the same Spanish government that expelled its Jews in 1492. Killing Native American minor side point; how do you go about cheering for Jew haters?
So it was to my great comfort to learn about Hernando Alonso, a converso Conquistador, who fought with Hernando Cortes in Mexico. Alonso was burned at the stake in 1528; something to do with getting caught twice baptizing a child. (G. R. G. Conway, "Hernando Alonso, A Jewish Conquistador with Cortes in Mexico." The Jewish Experience in Latin America pg. 178-200.) So there we go. I get my own personal killing, raping, pillaging Jewish Conquistador. (Do these things come in action figures?)
4 comments:
What was wrong with baptizing a child?
"...these Conquistadors did cause the deaths of millions of natives through the various illnesses they brought over with them to the New World and promptly massacred and enslaved everyone..."
And the Americans brought illness and change to the Indians. In world history, every great discovery or change was wrought about through massive upheaval. Besides, this was 500 years ago. If you wanted to express the same reservations about the way Mao went about transforming China, killing 100 million Chinamen along the way, in the 20th century when standards had changed, I think you'd have a stronger case.
Anyway. Just a different viewpoint. Heard about this blog through Fred's. Good luck!
Mar
It would seem the conversos used to do a second "baptism" to counter the first one. As with all inquisitor claims about conversos it is a problematic issue whether to take them at face value or not. One of the ironies of the Inquisition persecution of conversos is that it is likely that conversos took their "Jewish" beliefs and practices not from any genuine tradition, but from the denunciations they heard from priests.
DF
I do not deny that there have been worse disasters in history. You are correct that change usually is not a clean process. That being said I believe it is important to be very open about the fact that Native American contacts with Europeans were not all Thanksgiving celebrations. Even with the pilgrims things turned bloodly within a few decades.
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