Sunday, April 29, 2012
Motivating Factor that caused Historical Change
Throughout the readings that we have done, we have discovered that the main motivation for the change of history was the Spanish search for gold. Although I do agree that these were the intentions of the Spanish Crown at the beginning, in reality the motivation was later evolved to another kind by the conquistadors which was the desire to rise in the social hierarchy. As Matthew Restall states in his book, "the ultimate goal of every conquistador [was] royal confirmation of the governorship of an imperial province." (Restall, 21) Steve J. Stern also states this at the beginning of chapter 2 where he states "The Europeans, riding the crest of Spain's explosive search for gold, territory and Catholic salvation, wanted riches and lordship." (Stern, 27) This is also evident through the rivalry that Diego Velázquez and Hernan Cortés had going on when Cortés wanted the the license to conquer in order to become governor. The probanzas de merito was a key contributor to be awarded an encomienda because it was the way that a conquistador could report to the King of Spain all of his achievements, thus being granted an encomienda. Interestingly enough, Stern stresses the utopia of social precedence. This utopia "implied three achievements: escape from stifling subordination and constraint in an old society, rise to a position of command and authority over human dependents and clients in a new society, and acquisition of a recognized claim to high honor or service that legitimated reward and social superiority." (Stern, xxviii) As we can see, this transformation of motivation is very apparent throughout the readings.
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You have covered it later in your response, but the main reason for change of history for the Spanish and for most civilizations in power, and the search for gold is an attribute of that quest for power. They needed funds and gold to continue these conquests, and your correct, for the conquistadors who went on these voyages across the Atlantic, it was more about what they could earn for themselves, and gold was the quickest way to attain a quick change in their lifestyle. But for the countries themselves, the acquisition of land, and the notion “the claim them first” was more important that the riches, but was necessary to attain to fuel the conquests and appease the higher powers at home. I think that goes for the Cortes and leaders of the conquests. They knew they needed to find gold to appease the men on the trek with them, but the ultimate goal was to expand and conquer for native Spain. History was changed by those in power, and yes gold and riches were key to that power, but military strength, land, and expansion were more important factors. As is noticed in other dynastys/civilizations, sometimes the expansion was too fast, or not enough. Gold was an offshoot of a bigger prize, being the most powerful country or nation.
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