Session Abstract

This panel will focus on several different approaches to the conquest of Mexico drawing on principles of the "New Conquest History."   The New Conquest History is a new way of looking at the conquest of the New World by the Spanish, proposed by Prof. Matthew Restall.  Traditionally the history of the conquest of the New World by the Spanish has focused on the actions of the leaders of the expeditions: Cortes, Pizarro, Alvarado, Valdivia, Montejo, and the like.  The New Conquest History changes the focus to the rank and file members of the expeditions, to the participation of women, and especially to the assistance provided by native allies.  In addition the New Conquest History also draws on new documents and types of evidence, especially native language documents, in the writing of history.