How Hernán Cortés Conquered the Aztec Empire
- Tenochtitlán: A Dominant Imperial City. Tenochtitlan, the ancient capital of the Aztec empire, and the Valley of Mexico. ...
- Hernándo Cortés Makes Allies with Local Tribes. Hernándo Cortés, Spanish conquistador who conquered Mexico, with Moctezuma II, last Aztec emperor, 1519.
- Disease Further Weakens the Aztec. ...
- The Spanish Wielded Better Weaponry. ...
Why did Hernando Cortes fight the Aztecs?
Faced with an Aztec revolt against their rule, forces under the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés fight their way out of Tenochtitlan at heavy cost. The conquered peoples resented the Aztec demands for tribute and victims for the religious sacrifices, but the Aztec military kept rebellion at bay.
What made Cortes successful in conquering the Aztecs?
Cortes’ success in conquering the Aztec empire is attributed to three vital reasons, the introduction of crippling diseases such as smallpox, the Spaniards superior tactics and weaponry which gave them unparalleled success on the battlefield, and finally the Aztec’s harsh tribute system which led to many subjugated.
How was Cortes finally able to conquer the Aztecs?
Timeline
- 1428 – Creation of the Triple Alliance of Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, and Tlacopan
- 1492–93 – Columbus reaches the Caribbean; start of permanent Spanish settlements
- 1493–1515 – Spanish exploration, conquest, enslavement, and settlement in the Caribbean and the Spanish Main
Who helped Hernan Cortes conquer the Aztecs?
Many within the Aztec Empire came to believe that Cortés was Quetzalcoatl the god who would return to overthrow the god Tezcatlipoca, who demanded human sacrifice. Cortés was aided by an Indian woman La Malinche or Malintzin, who became an invaluable interpreter for and mistress and confidant of Cortés.
Why did Hernán Cortés conquered the Aztecs?
The conquest of Mexico began with an expedition to search for gold on the American mainland. In 1519 Cortés led about 450 men to Mexico and made his way from Veracruz on the Gulf Coast to the island city of Tenochtitlan, the stunningly beautiful Aztec capital situated in Lake Texcoco.
When were the Aztecs conquered by Cortés?
1521And yet Tenochtitlán was conquered by the Spanish in 1521—less than two years after Hernándo Cortés and Spanish conquistadors first set foot in the Aztec capital on November 8, 1519.
How did the Aztec Empire fall?
Invaders led by the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés overthrew the Aztec Empire by force and captured Tenochtitlan in 1521, bringing an end to Mesoamerica's last great native civilization.
What did Hernán Cortés do?
Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés (c. 1485-1547) is best known for conquering the Aztecs and claiming Mexico on behalf of Spain. Cortés (full name Don Hernán Cortés de Monroy y Pizarro Altamirano, Marquis of the Valley of Oaxaca) first served as a soldier in an expedition of Cuba led by Diego Velázquez in 1511.
What did Cortes do to the Aztecs?
Cortes landed, founded a small settlement and made mostly peaceful contact with leaders of local communities. These groups were bound to the Aztecs by ties of trade and tribute but resented their inland masters and tentatively agreed with Cortes to switch allegiances.
Who was the Spanish conquistador who brought down the Aztec Empire?
He is a former head writer at VIVA Travel Guides. From 1518-1521, Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes and his army brought down the mighty Aztec Empire, the greatest the New World had ever seen. He did it through a combination ...
What happened in the Cholula massacre?
The Cholula Massacre. In October, Cortes and his men and allies passed through the city of Cholula, home of the cult to the god Quetzalcoatl. Cholula was not exactly a vassal of the Aztecs, but the Triple Alliance had much influence there.
What did the Cortes Marches Inland do?
Cortes Marches Inland. The first emissaries from the Aztecs arrived, bearing gifts and seeking information about these interlopers. The rich gifts, meant to buy off the Spanish and make them go away, had the opposite effect: they wanted to see the riches of the Aztecs for themselves.
What was the aftermath of the Aztec conquest?
Aftermath of the Conquest of the Aztec Empire. Within two years, the Spanish invaders had taken down the most powerful city-state in Mesoamerica, and the implications were not lost on the remaining city-states in the region. There was sporadic fighting for decades to come, but in effect, the conquest was a done deal.
What was Cortes' plan to kill the Spanish?
Cortes summoned the leaders of the city to one of the squares and after berating them for treason, he ordered a massacre. His men and Tlaxcalan allies fell on the unarmed nobles, slaughtering thousands.
When did the Aztecs rule Mexico?
The Aztec Empire in 1519. In 1519, when the Spanish first made official contact with the Empire, the Aztecs ruled most of present-day Mexico either directly or indirectly. About one hundred years before, three powerful city-states in central Mexico — Tenochtitlan, Tlacopan and Tacuba — united to form the Triple Alliance, ...
How did Cortes conquer the Aztecs?
Also know, how did Cortes conquer the Aztec empire? Hernan Cortes was able to conquer the Aztec Empire by scaring the natives with the 16 horses, gaining alliances with the other enemies of the Aztec, having superior and better weapons than the natives (like guns), having armor, and having steel.
What was the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire?
This event is called the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire. Cortés helped old enemies of the Aztecs defeat them in one of the most important events in the Spanish colonization of the Americas.
Who conquered the Aztecs?
Hernan Cortés invaded Mexico in 1519 and conquered the Aztec Empire. Hernán Cortés was a Spanish conquistador, or conqueror, best remembered for conquering the Aztec empire in 1521 and claiming Mexico for Spain. He also helped colonize Cuba and became a governor of New Spain. Click to see full answer.
Who led the expansion that caused the fall of the Aztec empire and brought large portions of mainland Mexico?
SPANISH conquistador who led the EXPEDITION that caused the FALL of the AZTEC empire and brought large portions of mainland Mexico (Tenochtitlan) under the King of Spain.
What were the Conquistadors?
The Conquistadors were professional soldiers, having served in the Spanish Army. The Spanish had arrived at the right time to conquer. They came at a sacred time on the Aztec calendar when Aztec Emperor Montezuma wasn't allowed to re-train or replenish the army. The Spanish played psychological warfare, unknowingly.
Who was the leader of the Aztecs?
Cortés had heard of the Aztecs and knew that they, and their leader Montezuma II, were a primary force in Mexico. "He arrived in the great Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán in 1519," said Cosme. "Although he was kindly received by the Aztec emperor Montezuma, Cortés' intentions were less benevolent.". He set out to rule them.
Who held Tenochtitlán?
The siege of Tenochtitlán. While Cortés held Tenochtitlán through Montezuma, a Spanish force from Cuba landed on the coast of Mexico. They had been sent by Velasquez to unseat Cortés. When Cortés heard of this, he took a garrison of Spanish and Tlaxcalan soldiers and marched on the Spanish.
What did Cosme do to help Mexico?
"He opened the door for further exploration and conquest of Central America to the south, and eventually led to the acquisition of California toward the north.". Sorry, the video player failed to load.
Who took Montezuma hostage?
The Spanish fired shots, which stunned the natives and further intimidated them. Cortés entered the city, sacked it and took Montezuma hostage. La Malinche helped Cortés manipulate Montezuma and rule Tenochtitlán through him. "It is also said that she informed Cortés of an Aztec plot to destroy his army," Cosme said.
Who was the leader of the expedition to conquer Cuba?
In 1511, he joined Diego Velasquez 's expedition to conquer Cuba. There, Cortés served as a clerk to the treasurer and later as mayor of Santiago. Despite his success, Cortés was hungry for more power and greater thrills. He convinced Velasquez, the governor of Cuba, to let him lead an expedition to Mexico.
Where did Christopher Columbus explore?
He became fascinated with tales of Christopher Columbus ' New World explorations. Columbus had landed at San Salvador and explored the West Indies in 1492, when Cortés was a young boy. Columbus had set sail hoping to find a route to Asia or India.
Who conquered the Aztecs?
Timeline of Hernan Cortes' Conquest of the Aztecs. Christopher Minster, Ph.D., is a professor at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito in Ecuador. He is a former head writer at VIVA Travel Guides. 1492: Christopher Columbus Discovers the New World for Europe. 1502: Christopher Columbus, on his Fourth New World Voyage, ...
When does Cortes defeat Narvaez?
May 28–29: Cortes defeats Narvaez at the Battle of Cempoala and adds his men and supplies to his own. June 24: Cortes returns to find Tenochtitlan in a state of uproar. June 29: Montezuma is injured while pleading with his people for calm: he will die shortly from his wounds . June 30: the Night of Sorrows.
What did Cortes give to the Lord of Potonchan?
After winning the battle, the Lord of Potonchan would give Cortes gifts, including an enslaved girl Malinali, who would go on to be better known as Malinche, Cortes' invaluable interpreter and mother of one of his children . April 21: Cortes Expedition reaches San Juan de Ulua.
When did Cortes' treasure ship stop in Cuba?
August 23 : Cortes' treasure ship stops in Cuba and rumors start to spread of the wealth discovered in Mexico. September 2–20: Spanish enter Tlaxcalan territory and battle the fierce Tlaxcalans and their allies. September 23: Cortes and his men, victorious, enter Tlaxcala and make important alliances with the leaders.
What part of Mexico did Juan de Grijalva explore?
January–October: The Juan de Grijalva Expedition explores the Yucatan and southern part of Mexico's Gulf Coast. Some of those who took part, including Bernal Diaz del Castillo and Pedro de Alvarado, would later Join Cortes' expedition. November 18: Hernan Cortes Expedition sets out from Cuba.
What was Cortes's confidence in the Aztecs?
As the situation in the city escalated terribly, Cortes had to flee for his life with a few of his men on what is now known as La Noche Triste: in his confidence , he had underestimated the Aztecs, failed to understand their tactics and overestimated the ability of his own troops.
What happened to Cortes when he reached the Yucatan Peninsula?
With his name now blackened by the vengeful governor of Cuba, there would be no going back. From then on Cortes marched inland, winning skirmishes with natives, from whom he captured a number of young women.
What did Cortes get in the end?
In the end, Cortes got what he probably deserved. His demanding of recognition and wilful arrogance gradually alienated the King of Spain, and when the ageing explorer returned to the Royal court he met with a chilly reception.
Who was killed in Tenochtitlan?
Shortly after Cortes returned to Tenochtitlan, Moctezuma was killed. Despite claiming that it had happened in an uncontrollable riot, historians have suspected foul play ever since. A depiction of the founding of Tenochtitlan taken from the Codex Mendoza, a 16th century Aztec codex. Image credit: Public Domain.
When did Hernan Cortes die?
He eventually died, embittered, in 1547, having left behind a legacy of European empire-building in the Americas, and wiped a powerful civilisation off the face of the earth. Tags: Aztec Empire Hernan Cortes.
Who was the governor of Mexico in 1521?
After forming alliances with local rivals, Cortes returned to Tenochtitlan and besieged the city, almost razing it to the ground, and claiming it for Spain under the name of Mexico City. With no one to tell him otherwise, he then ruled as the self-styled governor of all Mexico from 1521-1524.
Who met Moctezuma?
An illustration of the meeting of Cortes and Moctezuma at Tenochtitlan. Image credit: Public Domain. On 8 November 1519, Spanish explorer Hernán Cortes reached Tenochtitlan – capital of the Aztec Empire. It would prove to be an era-defining moment, signalling the beginning of the end for the American continent’s great civilisations, ...
The Aztec Empire in 1519
- In 1519, when the Spanish first made official contact with the Empire, the Aztecs ruled most of present-day Mexico either directly or indirectly. About one hundred years before, three powerful city-states in central Mexico — Tenochtitlan, Tlacopan and Tacuba — united to form the Triple Alliance, which soon rose to pre-eminence. All three cultures were located on the shores and isla…
The Arrival of Cortes
- Since 1492, when Christopher Columbus discovered the New World, the Spanish had fairly thoroughly explored the Caribbean by 1518. They became aware of a large landmass to the west, and some expeditions had visited the shores of the Gulf Coast, but no lasting settlement had been made. In 1518, Governor Diego Velazquez of Cuba sponsored an expedition of exploration and s…
Cortes Marches Inland
- The first emissaries from the Aztecs arrived, bearing gifts and seeking information about these interlopers. The rich gifts, meant to buy off the Spanish and make them go away, had the opposite effect: they wanted to see the riches of the Aztecs for themselves. The Spanish made their way inland, ignoring pleas and threats from Montezumato go away. ...
The Cholula Massacre
- In October, Cortes and his men and allies passed through the city of Cholula, home of the cult to the god Quetzalcoatl. Cholula was not exactly a vassal of the Aztecs, but the Triple Alliance had much influence there. After spending a couple of weeks there, Cortes learned of a plot to ambush the Spanish when they left the city. Cortes summoned the leaders of the city to one of the squar…
Entry Into Tenochtitlan and Capture of Montezuma
- In November of 1519, the Spanish entered Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Mexica people and leader of the Aztec Triple Alliance. They were welcomed by Montezuma and put in a sumptuous palace. The deeply religious Montezuma had dithered and fretted about the arrival of these foreigners and did not oppose them. Within a couple of weeks, Montezuma had allowed himself …
The Night of Sorrows
- In May of 1520, Cortes was forced to take most of his men and return to the coast to face a new threat: a large Spanish force, led by veteran conquistador Panfilo de Narvaez, sent by Governor Velazquez to rein him in. Although Cortes defeated Narvaez and added most of his men to his own army, things got out of hand in Tenochtitlan in his absence. On May 20, Pedro de Alvarado, …
The Siege of Tenochtitlan
- While in Tlaxcala, the Spanish received reinforcements and supplies, rested, and prepared to take the city of Tenochtitlan. Cortes ordered the construction of thirteen brigantines, large boats which could sail or be rowed and which would tip the balance while assaulting the island. Most importantly for the Spanish, an epidemic of smallpox broke out in Mesoamerica, slaying millions…
Aftermath of The Conquest of The Aztec Empire
- Within two years, the Spanish invaders had taken down the most powerful city-state in Mesoamerica, and the implications were not lost on the remaining city-states in the region. There was sporadic fighting for decades to come, but in effect, the conquest was a done deal. Cortes earned a title and vast lands and stole most of the riches from his men by short-changing them …
Sources
- Diaz del Castillo, Bernal. Trans., ed. J.M. Cohen. 1576. London, Penguin Books, 1963. Print.
- Levy, Buddy. Conquistador: Hernan Cortes, King Montezuma and the Last Stand of the Aztecs.New York: Bantam, 2008.
- Thomas, Hugh. Conquest: Montezuma, Cortes and the Fall of Old Mexico. New York: Touchstone, 1993.
Early Life
in The Bahamas
- Cortés spent seven years on Hispaniola, living in the new town of Azua and working as a notary and farmer. In 1511, he joined Diego Velasquez's expedition to conquer Cuba. There, Cortés served as a clerk to the treasurer and later as mayor of Santiago. Despite his success, Cortés was hungry for more power and greater thrills. He convinced Velasquez, the governor of Cuba, to let …
Arrival in Mexico
- In 1519, Cortés' ships reached the Mexican coast at Yucatan. Mexico had been discovered by the Spanish just a year prior, and they were eager to settle it. Cortés was also interested in converting natives to Christianity. "His view on the indigenous people was similar to the majority of Europeans of that day — they were inferior culturally, technologically, and religiously," said Cosm…
Conquering The Aztecs
- Cortés had heard of the Aztecs and knew that they, and their leader Montezuma II, were a primary force in Mexico. "He arrived in the great Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán in 1519," said Cosme. "Although he was kindly received by the Aztec emperor Montezuma, Cortés' intentions were less benevolent." He set out to rule them. Unbeknownst to Cortés, his ...
The Siege of Tenochtitlán
- While Cortés held Tenochtitlán through Montezuma, a Spanish force from Cuba landed on the coast of Mexico. They had been sent by Velasquez to unseat Cortés. When Cortés heard of this, he took a garrison of Spanish and Tlaxcalan soldiers and marched on the Spanish. Cortés defeated the Spanish force, but when he returned to Tenochtitlán he was met with a shock. The …
Later Years
- In 1524, Gov. Cortés went to Honduras to quell a rebellion against him. He stayed for two years, and when he returned to Mexico he found himself removed from power. Cortés traveled to Spain to plead with the king, but he was never again appointed to governorship. Cortés' Spanish wife died and he remarried twice, though never to La Malinche, said Cosme. He fathered several child…
Legacy
- Cortés is a controversial figure, especially in Mexico, because of his treatment of natives. Unfortunately, "when it came to the indigenous people, Cortés was not unique in his treatment and mindset," said Cosme. "He enslaved much of the native population, and many of the indigenous people were wiped out from European diseases such as smallpox. Both scenarios would unfortu…