Understanding the Past Through New Eyes
Introduction
History isn’t just a collection of dates and old stories—it’s the way we make sense of how the world became what it is today. The way we tell those stories matters. For centuries, the story of the conquest of America has been taught and remembered from a single perspective: that of the European conquerors. But what if we took a step back and asked: Whose story is being told? What voices are missing? The work of Tzvetan Todorov1, a respected historian and thinker, invites us to revisit these historical narratives with fresh eyes, challenging us to question, reinterpret, and remember in a way that is fairer, deeper, and more honest.1
The Traditional Narrative: Who Gets to Tell the Story?
For generations, people have learned about the conquest of America through stories that paint European explorers like Columbus and Cortez as heroic figures. These narratives often celebrate their bravery, their “discovery” of new lands, and their supposed bringing of civilization to the Americas. Textbooks, movies, and even monuments have echoed this perspective, making it feel like the only story that matters.
But as Todorov points out, these stories are incomplete. By focusing almost entirely on the experiences and achievements of the conquerors, they leave out the voices of the indigenous people—the millions who already lived in the Americas long before the arrival of Europeans. When we only hear from one side, we miss the bigger picture. The stories of loss, survival, adaptation, and resistance are often left untold or are reduced to a footnote.
The Importance of Perspective: Seeing Through Different Eyes
Todorov emphasizes that the lens through which history is written shapes everything we think we know about the past. For centuries, the dominant viewpoint has been that of the colonizer. This focus not only glorifies European achievements but also justifies and excuses violence, exploitation, and cultural destruction. The indigenous people, in this version, are often depicted as passive or helpless, with little agency or voice of their own.
By shifting the perspective, Todorov asks us to consider: What did the conquest mean for the native populations? What did they experience, lose, and fight for? How did they respond to the enormous challenges brought by the European invasion—disease, war, cultural suppression, and forced conversions? By asking these questions, we start to see the conquest not as a one-sided victory for “civilization,” but as a complex and often tragic encounter marked by trauma, resilience, and adaptation.
Inclusion and Agency: Giving Voice to the Voiceless
One of Todorov’s main arguments is the need for greater inclusivity in historical storytelling. Instead of treating indigenous peoples as background characters in someone else’s adventure, we need to recognize their agency—their ability to act, resist, and adapt. While traditional accounts may have portrayed native people as helpless victims, the truth is far more nuanced. They were survivors, strategists, and even at times negotiators, finding ways to navigate the new reality brought by European colonialism.
This means looking for sources that represent indigenous experiences: oral histories, native accounts, and archaeological evidence. It also means being honest about the devastating losses suffered—population decline from disease and violence, destruction of cultures and languages, loss of land and autonomy. But at the same time, Todorov urges us to acknowledge the ways in which indigenous societies preserved their identities, adapted to new circumstances, and even influenced the colonizers in return.
Rethinking Morality: The Ethics of Conquest
Another important point in Todorov’s analysis is the re-examination of the moral and ethical arguments used to justify the conquest. In the past, European conquerors often described their actions as a “just war,” claiming that they were bringing Christianity, law, and order to a supposedly savage world. These arguments were used to legitimize violence, enslavement, and forced conversions.
But Todorov challenges us to look at these moral justifications with a critical eye. Were they truly about morality, or about power and self-interest? When we place these arguments in the broader context of human rights and ethical conduct, we see the contradictions and the moral ambiguities. The idea that one group has the right to dominate another in the name of “civilization” has been used throughout history to excuse injustices—slavery, colonialism, and even genocide. By reassessing these justifications, we can start to recognize the ways in which ideas of righteousness and destiny have often served those in power at the expense of truth and justice.
The Role of Memory: How We Remember Shapes Who We Are
History is not just about what happened, but about how we remember what happened. As Todorov reminds us, collective memory is always evolving. Our understanding of the conquest of America is shaped by contemporary values, debates, and philosophies. The way we remember the past influences present discussions about identity, justice, and cultural encounters.
If we only remember the conquest as a triumph of European civilization, we risk repeating the same mistakes—ignoring the suffering and contributions of others. But if we open ourselves to a more balanced and inclusive memory, we can learn important lessons about resilience, adaptation, and the shared humanity that connects us all.
Why Revisiting History Matters Today
Revisiting our historical narratives isn’t just an academic exercise. It has real consequences for how we see ourselves and others in the world today. When we challenge simplified, one-sided versions of the past, we create space for empathy, understanding, and even healing. We honor the complexities of history, rather than brushing them aside for the sake of convenience or pride.
Todorov’s approach is an invitation to everyone—not just historians—to think critically about the stories we’ve learned and the memories we hold. It asks us to recognize the legacy of the conquest, not just in terms of land and power, but in terms of culture, identity, and ongoing struggles for justice.
Conclusion: Toward a More Honest and Inclusive Memory
In sum, revisiting historical narratives means questioning who tells the story, seeking out missing voices, and being brave enough to confront uncomfortable truths. Tzvetan Todorov’s critique of the conquest of America is a powerful reminder that history is not set in stone. It is shaped by interpretation, memory, and the willingness to listen to those who have been silenced.
By moving beyond simplified, Eurocentric accounts and striving for inclusivity, we begin to see the conquest not just as an event, but as a profound turning point with lasting consequences. We can honor the resilience of indigenous peoples, recognize the tragedies and injustices, and push for a more honest reckoning with the past. Ultimately, this approach doesn’t just change how we see history—it changes how we understand ourselves and our place in the world.
Notes:
- The conquest of America : the question of the other I Tzvetan Todorov I Year: 1999 I Publisher: University Of Oklahoma Press Publisher I Place: Norman I ISBN: 9780806131375
afrancinegreen.com 