Did the Spaniards conquer the Aztecs “by means of signs”?

In The Conquest of America, Todorov introduces an interesting evaluation of the historical encounter between the Spaniards and Aztecs as a clash of signs. Instead of emphasizing the advantage of hard power capability or “firearms and horses”, Todorov directs attention to the advantage of manipulating communication. By providing a thorough analysis of signs and interpretation in Aztec and Spanish culture, Todorov is effective in unearthing the true clash of realities that lies beneath the surface of the “cultural iceberg” as I mentioned in class on Monday.

Todorov proves this notion of “victory by signs” through a historical exposé on how the Spaniards learned to manipulate certain beliefs in Aztec culture to their advantage. At the beginning, the encounter was a messy entanglement of misinterpretation of signs. For example, Montezuma lowering head in front of Cortes symbolized refusal to speak for the Aztec community but was interpreted as surrender by the Spaniards. However, as the encounters progressed, Cortes and the Spaniards learned to use the Aztec’s blind faith in omens and soothsayers to deliver fated results and validate their God-like status. This manipulation also relates to a larger clash of realities presented by divergent views on cosmic order.

The complicating factor Todorov introduces in this confrontation analysis is the two entirely different realities constructed by the determinist Aztec believers and the free will individualist Spaniards. Aztecs believed that constant communication with the land and the gods validated a determinist perspective on life. On Hola Olaam! Elana mention in her blog post on this question “because the natives on the Americas were so in tune with nature and the gods, a small bump would cause a shift.” To pick up on what she was alluding to, the Spaniards in many ways got the upper hand simply by means of philosophical view of life. The obsessive desire to create one’s own destiny drove the Spaniards in their conquest while submission to the determined cosmic world made the Aztecs complacent and easy targets for Spanish manipulability.

Todorov points to conscious manipulation of signs and a motivating philosophical view on life as two distinct Spanish advantages outside the typical weapons and power calculation. With a clear account of this historical encounter, Todorov makes a compelling case for the importance of signs, identity, philosophy, etc. in confrontation between two political and/or cultural entities. I look forward to seeing this constructivist notion played out through out the rest of the book!