write an obituary for hernando cortez from both the spanish and aztec point of view?
Read, read, read, and keep in mind that Spain considered him a hero, the Aztecs their conqueror (not so good).
http://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=hernando%20cortes
If you are not sure what an obituary is:
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obituary
Writing an obituary requires researching and understanding the perspective of both the Spanish and Aztec narratives surrounding Hernando Cortez's life and legacy. Let's try to describe his life, achievements, and his impact on both sides.
From the Spanish perspective:
Hernando Cortez, the renowned Spanish conquistador, breathed his last on December 2, 1547. Born in 1485 in Medellin, Spain, Cortez embarked on an audacious journey to the New World, driven by his ambition and the allure of wealth and exploration. With valor and determination, he forever altered the course of history.
Cortez's most well-known accomplishment was the conquest of the Aztec Empire. In 1519, he led a small Spanish force to the shores of Mexico. Through strategic alliances with indigenous tribes who opposed Aztec rule, Cortez was able to build a formidable coalition. He successfully toppled Tenochtitlan, the Aztec capital, in 1521, marking a turning point for the Spanish presence in the region.
Known for his tactical brilliance and fearlessness in the face of adversity, Cortez's conquest yielded vast riches for Spain. The gold, silver, and other resources acquired during his expeditions boosted the Spanish economy and established Spain as a global power.
From the Aztec perspective:
Hernando Cortez, the destroyer of our civilization, passed away on December 2, 1547, leaving behind a trail of devastation and sorrow that still lingers. Born in 1485 in Spain, Cortez arrived in our land with dreams of glory, but his actions proved to be our undoing.
Cortez, driven by greed and a thirst for domination, led a cruel and merciless invasion of our beloved Empire. The arrival of the Spanish brought diseases that decimated our population, leaving our once-thriving cities in ruins. Cortez manipulated internal divisions and forged alliances with our enemies to undermine our strength.
Despite our brave resistance, Cortez triumphed in 1521, leading to the fall of Tenochtitlan. He pillaged our sacred temples, destroying our customs and beliefs. Our great civilization was scarred by European dominance, and our cultural heritage eroded under the oppressive rule of Cortez and his successors.
Though history may document Cortez as a hero, our people remember him as a conqueror whose actions forever changed the course of our existence.
Creating dual perspectives for an obituary requires comprehensive research to understand and present both sides fairly. Examining primary and secondary sources, historical texts, and firsthand accounts can help provide a deeper understanding of the viewpoints from both the Spanish and Aztec narratives.