Tlaxcalans

Definition

The Tlaxcalans were a prominent indigenous group in Central Mexico, known for their fierce resistance to the Aztec Empire and crucial alliance with Hernán Cortés during the Spanish conquest of Mexico. Their strategic location and military prowess enabled them to play a pivotal role in the events leading to the fall of Tenochtitlán, significantly influencing the outcome of the Spanish colonization.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Tlaxcalans were traditionally rivals of the Aztecs, resisting their dominance and refusing to become part of the empire.
2. They allied with Hernán Cortés after realizing that he could help them defeat the Aztecs, contributing thousands of warriors to his campaign.
3. The alliance with the Tlaxcalans was critical for the Spanish, providing not only military support but also local knowledge of the terrain and politics.
4. After the fall of Tenochtitlán, the Tlaxcalans were granted significant privileges by the Spanish, including land and autonomy as a reward for their loyalty.
5. The impact of Tlaxcalan resistance and alliance during the conquest had long-lasting effects on Mexican history, shaping future interactions between indigenous peoples and European colonizers.

Review Questions

• How did the Tlaxcalans' rivalry with the Aztecs influence their decision to ally with Hernán Cortés?
  • The Tlaxcalans had a longstanding rivalry with the Aztecs, who had oppressed them for years. This animosity created a strong desire among the Tlaxcalans to resist Aztec rule and seek revenge against their oppressors. When Hernán Cortés arrived in Mexico with an opportunity to challenge the Aztecs, the Tlaxcalans saw this as a chance to align themselves with a powerful force that could help them defeat their enemies and regain their independence.
• Evaluate the significance of Tlaxcalan support in Hernán Cortés' campaign against the Aztecs.
  • The support of the Tlaxcalans was crucial for Cortés' success during his campaign against the Aztecs. Their experienced warriors provided a significant military advantage, enabling Cortés to engage effectively with the larger Aztec forces. Additionally, the Tlaxcalans offered invaluable local knowledge regarding strategies, resources, and political dynamics that helped Cortés navigate through hostile territories. This alliance ultimately facilitated the fall of Tenochtitlán, marking a turning point in the Spanish conquest.
• Assess how the alliance between Hernán Cortés and the Tlaxcalans reshaped indigenous power dynamics in post-conquest Mexico.
  • The alliance between Hernán Cortés and the Tlaxcalans fundamentally altered indigenous power dynamics following the conquest. By aligning with the Spanish, the Tlaxcalans positioned themselves as key players in the new colonial order, gaining privileges that allowed them to maintain a level of autonomy. However, this also created tensions with other indigenous groups who viewed the Tlaxcalans as collaborators with colonial powers. The resulting shifts in power contributed to further fragmentation among indigenous communities and set a precedent for future relationships between Europeans and native populations in Mexico.

Related terms

Tenochtitlán: The capital of the Aztec Empire, located on an island in Lake Texcoco, known for its impressive architecture and advanced society.

Chichimecas: A group of indigenous peoples in northern Mexico who resisted Spanish colonization, known for their nomadic lifestyle and warrior culture.

La Malinche: An indigenous woman who served as a translator and advisor to Hernán Cortés, playing a key role in his interactions with various indigenous groups, including the Tlaxcalans.