Invading Colombia Paper

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Invading Colombia

Introduction

A critical examination of the book “Invading Colombia: Spanish accounts of the Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada expedition of conquest” is necessary to evaluate various events that are explained by the author. Michael Francis, professor of history at the University of South Florida, tried to present a military expedition. It is important to mention that the military expedition was led by Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada in a region that today known as modern Colombia. Context and events that are presented in the book occurred in the 15th and 16th century. The author explicitly demonstrated various events during the period of the 16th century to refresh the history of the Spanish conquest of Colombia. Specific information regarding various Andean conquest and three Capitulaciones is presented in this book. Evaluation of various events illustrate the hardships and living condition of Jimenez’s men. The author illustrated that the long expenditure proved to be fatal for the soldiers of Jimenez due to hunger and illness. Chronological presentation of events in the books along with specific information helps to understand the actuality Jimenez’s expenditure.

Summarizing Content of the Book

It is essential to examine the content of this book in order to provide a critical review of various events presented in the book. A critical examination of the book demonstrated that Jimenez’s men tried to make some alliances throughout their expenditure. It is effectively illustrated by the author that Jimenez’s men made an alliance with some of the Muisca leaders. Spanish invaders wanted to prevail in their expenditure to Colombia, so they began to form some alliances with the richest and powerful leaders of Muisca leader (Francis 15). It is important to consider the fact that the majority of the people in Colombia began to show significant resistance to these Spanish invaders. The Panches vigorously resisted the expenditure of Spaniards; however, the assistance of Muisca leaders helped to defeat the Panches (Francis 16). It is important to consider the fact that the entire expenditure has mixed results for the Spaniards. On one side, the Spaniards had to lose their people due to illness and hunger. While, on the other hand, they managed to make this expenditure a profitable conquest. On August 1538, the Spaniards captured the chief of Tunja and demanded a huge amount (140,000 gold and 280 emeralds) for ransom. Regardless of capturing a major portion of Colombia, the Spaniards had to face some fierce tribes during their expenditure (Francis 69). A critical examination of this book reveals that most tribes in Colombia refused to accept the idea of imperialism. For tribes of Colombians, this expenditure of the Spaniards was a step towards imperialism, so they refused to surrender or submit to the authority of newcomers. The expenditure of the Spaniards in Muisca territory was remarkable in the first thirteen months as only six Spaniards died during that period (Francis 84).

Regardless of a remarkable expenditure in the region of Colombia, it is examined that the myth regarding technological advantage is not completely justifiable. It is important to consider the fact that Spanish expenditure and conquest had nothing to do with technological advantage due to limited supply of steel armor and handguns. The author illustrated that the Spaniards managed to outsmart the Aztecs and other tribes through their tactics and military strategy. The authors also presented with idea that Spaniards did not make a successful expenditure and conquest on their own. They managed to pursue many tribes and indigenous individuals to outnumber Colombians (Francis 106). Overall, this expenditure of the Spaniards proved to be effective and successful as they managed to conquer the major portion of Colombia. Unique military tactics of Jimenez’s men helped them to defeat and loot various regions of Colombia. Furthermore, the negotiation skills of Jimenez’s men along with their terror compel many indigenous to join them in their expenditure. The Spaniards were heavily outnumbered as compared to the forces and men of various tribes in the region. The author demonstrated that these people managed to make an alliance with Muisca leader to prevail in their objective. After making a significant impact through their expenditure, the armies of De Quesada began their major exploration. During 1538s, De Belalcazar and Federmann reached the newly founded capital, where they meet with De Quesadas (Francis 16). The joint expenditure from three sides reached to the heart of Colombia (Francis 110). After meeting in Bosa, three leaders came to a joint agreement that they should travel back to Spain in order to take reward from the Spanish Crown regarding this expenditure.

Critical Analysis

A critical analysis of the book “Invading Colombia: Spanish accounts of the Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada expedition of conquest” is essential to provide a better understanding about various events that happened throughout the Spanish expenditure in Colombia. Coherency and originality are the main aspects of this book that demonstrate the effective contribution of Francis. The contributions of Francis in this book effectively discuss some specific events of Spanish American history. Elaboration and explanation of Francis regarding men power and tactics of Spanish invaders provide valuable information about their successful expenditure. The author managed to briefly present different expenditures of Spanish invaders in various parts of Colombia, including the conquest of the interior of Colombia. The author explicitly describes various events of Spanish American history in the context of imperialism. The author elaborates different aspects of this expenditure to illustrate the surrender of the interior of Colombia to Spaniards. Critical evaluation of this book reveals that the author explicitly determined living conditions for the Spaniards. Evidence regarding malnutrition and diseases helped to provide a better understanding regarding living conditions during this cruel expenditure. Evidences from various sources are explicitly provided by the author, which provided an opportunity for the reader to draw his/her own conclusion regarding this entire expenditure. This book is a valuable source of information to understand Spanish expenditure in Colombia. It is valuable for both students and others as the impeccable description of events uncovers the early period of Spanish expansion.

Works Cited

Francis, J M. Invading Colombia: Spanish Accounts of the Gonzalo Jiménez De Quesada Expedition of Conquest. University Park, Pa: Pennsylvania State University Press, 2007. Print.