Meaning: The quote "That was when the Spanish came in and conquered the Aztecs. I thought that was a clever thing." by Les Baxter, a musician, captures a historical event and the perspective of an individual on that event. The quote references the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire, a significant event in the history of the Americas that had far-reaching consequences for the indigenous peoples of the region. To fully understand the quote and its implications, it is important to delve into the historical context of the Spanish conquest and consider the perspectives of different individuals involved.

The Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire took place in the early 16th century, led by the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés. The Aztec Empire, located in present-day Mexico, was a powerful Mesoamerican civilization with a sophisticated society, advanced agricultural practices, and a rich cultural heritage. However, the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the early 16th century brought about a dramatic and ultimately devastating change for the Aztecs.

From the perspective of the Spanish conquistadors, the conquest of the Aztecs was indeed a strategic and ambitious endeavor. The Spanish sought to expand their empire, acquire wealth and resources, and spread their influence in the newly discovered territories. They utilized superior military tactics, advanced weaponry, and alliances with indigenous groups who were enemies of the Aztecs to advance their agenda.

Les Baxter's quote, "I thought that was a clever thing," suggests a perspective that may be interpreted as admiring the strategic prowess or the audacity of the Spanish conquest. It is important to note that this quote reflects the individual perspective of Les Baxter and may not necessarily represent the broader historical or ethical interpretation of the conquest.

From the perspective of the Aztecs and other indigenous peoples of the region, the Spanish conquest was a cataclysmic event that brought about widespread devastation, loss of life, and the imposition of Spanish colonial rule. The arrival of the Spanish brought diseases, such as smallpox, for which the indigenous populations had no immunity, leading to a significant decline in their numbers. Additionally, the Spanish conquest led to the destruction of indigenous cultures, the imposition of Christianity, and the exploitation of indigenous labor and resources.

The quote by Les Baxter raises important questions about perspective, historical interpretation, and the complexities of examining historical events. It reminds us of the diverse viewpoints that exist regarding historical events and the need to critically analyze and understand the broader context in which they occurred.

In conclusion, Les Baxter's quote "That was when the Spanish came in and conquered the Aztecs. I thought that was a clever thing." captures a specific perspective on the Spanish conquest of the Aztecs. The quote prompts us to consider the diverse interpretations and consequences of historical events such as the Spanish conquest, highlighting the importance of examining history from multiple perspectives and critically analyzing the broader context in which these events unfolded.