Conflict in the Early Americas: An Encyclopedia of the Spanish Empire's Aztec, Incan, and Mayan Conquests

This handy reference tackles a dark and often misunderstood chapter in the history of the early Americas, notably the conquest of the New World by European powers. Central to the volume's utility is a reevaluation of the preconceived notion of the Spanish as a "civilizing" force; the level of preconquest science, math, social, and political development; and the transmission of disease that ravaged the indigenous populations. A diverse selection of topics are covered in the well-chosen, individually signed 280 entries ranging from the incredibly general such as "Impact of Guns" and "Imperial Goals of Spain" to the exceedingly particular, such as the "Cholula Massacre" and the "Law of Burgos," the latter describing legislation which, promulgated in 1512, sought the increased regulation of the Spanish Empire and more humane treatment of natives. Each entry is cogently written and of sound scholarship and includes a handful of cross-references as well as a few sources for further research. The book concludes with useful time lines that cover Spain's wars with all three civilizations as well as a practical bibliography.