During the European conquest of Mesoamerica in the 15th century, the Spaniards projected an air of benevolence. The Spanish were very careful with their behavior in front of the indigenous people; their goal was to avoid conflict and acquire the gold they were in search for, not an allegiance. The indigenous people of Mesoamerica were similarly non-threatening; they did not want to appear hostile to the Spaniards, which they mistook to be gods. Spaniards thought themselves superior then the natives because the complexity and tradition of their lifestyles did not appear indicative of an intelligent culture, natives were commonly thought of as uncivilized having other basis for experience. In turn, this attitude greatly influenced their mutual views in respect to differences in physical appearance, religious beliefs, material culture, and cultural practices.

Spain and Europe had been previously exposed to distinct cultures...