The Conquest of the River Plate (1535-1555)

by Ulrich Schmidel

"The Conquest of the River Plate (1535-1555)" by Schmidel and Núñez Cabeza de Vaca is a historical account likely written in the late 19th century. This work presents two narratives from different perspectives—the voyage of the German adventurer Ulrich Schmidt and the commentaries of the Spanish explorer Alvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca—detailing their experiences during the early Spanish colonization efforts in the region of the Rio de la Plata. These narratives chronicle the complex interactions between Spanish conquerors and indigenous peoples, alongside the hardships faced during exploration and settlement. The opening of the book sets the stage with the introduction of Ulrich Schmidt's voyage, providing insights into the early expeditions and the challenges encountered, such as navigating treacherous waters and dealing with hostile encounters with Indigenous tribes. Schmidt describes his journey from Seville and the tumultuous arrival at the Rio de la Plata, where conflicts with local tribes and struggles for sustenance begin to unfold. The narrative hints at themes of ambition, survival, and the brutal reality of conquest, while also foreshadowing the contrasting accounts to follow from Cabeza de Vaca, setting a framework for the complex and often contentious historical narrative about this significant period in South American history.