Final answer:
The difference in characterization of the Spaniards' attitude toward Montezuma between Díaz's and the Aztec account is one of admiration versus brutality. Díaz expresses amazement at Aztec civilization, while the Aztec account depicts the Spaniards as violent conquerors. Historians must critically evaluate these contrasting accounts considering biases and the broader historical context.
Step-by-step explanation:
When characterizing the difference between the Spaniards' attitude toward Montezuma as described by Bernal Díaz and the Aztec account, we observe a stark contrast. Díaz depicts the Spanish as amazed and in awe of the Aztec civilization, almost disbelieving the grandeur of Tenochtitlán and questioning if it was a dream. On the other hand, the Aztec account presents the Spaniards as brutal and barbaric, killing even the unarmed. One account emphasizes admiration, while the other focuses on violence and conquest.
The variance in these perspectives can be attributed to the differing goals and cultural viewpoints of the authors. While Díaz, as a member of the Spanish conquistadors, may highlight the conquest and their admiration to justify their actions and downplay the violence, the Aztec account is intent on expressing the horror and devastation of the encounter. Historians must assess such texts with critical eye towards their authors' biases, cross-referencing with other historical sources, and understanding the broader context of the events described.