Discussion questions for Conquest Documents from Lockhart (handouts), Benjamin's The Atlantic World, and Kicza and Horn's Resilient Cultures
Though the storylines in each document (all are primary sources) are specific to each case, they are very important for us in that these letters are absolutely typical of the types of letters found about the Conquest. This allows us to make generalizations about the Conquest, its consequences, and its aftermath.
• These are excellent primary sources. This exercise will also allow us their usefulness and limitations as historical sources
• This is also good rehearsal for your midterm.
• Bring your completed journal entry as well as your Kicza and Benjamin books when we discuss this journal entry
The first two big questions are from your handouts (primary sources on the Conquest edited by Lockhart). The questions after this are from Benjamin's The Atlantic World and Kicza
1. "Conquest in the Personal View" by Gaspar de Marquina, in Cajamarca, Peru, to his father in Biscay, Spain, 1533
a. Historical background: from our Kicza's ch.'s 3 and 4 and our films and lecture material, what is going on in terms of the process of the conquest and settlement by the time this letter is written? Be expansive and give details.
b. Tell me about the language Gaspar uses and its significance (including his mention of God).
c. How has Gaspar gained wealth, and what are his plans now?
d. What does he say about the capture of Atahualpa and in what ways was that important?
e. What else is significant about a document such as this?
f. Why is this document valuable for the study of this region? What are its limitations?
2. "The Unsuccessful Conqueror" by Bartolomé Garcia, citizen of Asunción, Paraguay, to the Council of the Indies, 1556
a. Historical background: from our Kicza's ch.'s 3 and 4 and our films and lecture material, what is going on in terms of the process of the conquest and settlement by the time this letter is written? Be expansive and give details.
b. What does Bartolomé García want? Why does he feel he is so vastly deserving of it?
c. This is a typical document about an "unsuccessful" conqueror. What makes him "unsuccessful"?
d. This is in the "periphery" as opposed to the "Center", what difference does this make?
e. What else is significant about a document such as this?
f. Why is this document valuable for the study of this region? What are its limitations?
https://www.dropbox.com/s/08b61a9t1qfxt99/conquest_in_personal_view_lockhart.rar?dl=0