In the American Grain Chapter Summary & Analysis - The Destruction of Tenochtitlan Summary

The Destruction of Tenochtitlan Summary

Williams opens the essay with a reference to revenge. He notes that the old world sought to redeem itself after the Italian's return, and says, "such things occur in secret." He also writes how given such "orchidean beauty," or creating it, people do not know their own destructive strength. Remaining "in the back," he explains, is the evil of the whole world; the subsequent disappointment; and the general malice of mankind. Deducing none of these are the individual person's fault, the author discusses Hernando Cortez -- as one who was "neither malicious, stupid, nor blind," but a conqueror.

The conqueror was sent out by the Cuban Governor Velasquez, who, Williams says, "traitorously attacked [Cortez] from the rear a week afterward." Foncesca, Bishop of Burgos, President of the Council of the Indies, had earlier interfered with Columbus' efforts and then made enemies with Cortez. Cortez's crew was usually on the verge...
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