Tlaxcalans

Definition

The Tlaxcalans were a group of indigenous people from the region of Tlaxcala in central Mexico, known for their significant role in the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire. They formed an alliance with Spanish conquistadors, particularly Hernán Cortés, which was crucial in the military campaigns against the Aztecs and showcased their military prowess and tactical knowledge.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Tlaxcalans were traditional enemies of the Aztecs, which made their alliance with the Spanish particularly significant during the conquest.
2. They provided valuable knowledge of local geography and warfare tactics, which helped the Spanish navigate through hostile territory.
3. The Tlaxcalans contributed a substantial number of warriors to the Spanish forces, significantly bolstering their military strength.
4. Their alliance was motivated by a desire to overthrow Aztec rule, which had long oppressed them through tribute and warfare.
5. After the conquest, Tlaxcala was granted special privileges by the Spanish Crown as a reward for their support, leading to a unique status among indigenous peoples in colonial Mexico.

Review Questions

• How did the Tlaxcalans' previous enmity with the Aztecs influence their decision to ally with Hernán Cortés?
  • The longstanding rivalry between the Tlaxcalans and the Aztecs significantly shaped their decision to ally with Hernán Cortés. The Tlaxcalans saw an opportunity to rid themselves of Aztec dominance, which had imposed heavy tribute and military pressure on them. By joining forces with Cortés, they aimed to reclaim their autonomy and position in central Mexico while leveraging Spanish military technology against a common enemy.
• Discuss how the Tlaxcalans utilized their knowledge of local terrain and warfare tactics to assist in the Spanish conquest of the Aztecs.
  • The Tlaxcalans played a crucial role in aiding the Spanish during their conquest of the Aztec Empire by using their intimate understanding of local geography and combat strategies. Their warriors were familiar with the various routes and terrains of central Mexico, which allowed them to conduct surprise attacks and ambushes against Aztec forces. This advantage was pivotal in battles, providing vital support to Cortés' troops and demonstrating how indigenous knowledge complemented European military power.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Tlaxcalan alliance with Cortés on indigenous relations in colonial Mexico.
  • The alliance between the Tlaxcalans and Hernán Cortés had profound long-term effects on indigenous relations in colonial Mexico. While it allowed Tlaxcala to gain some privileges under Spanish rule, it also set a precedent for how indigenous groups interacted with European powers. The alliance led to divisions among native peoples, as some saw benefits in collaboration with colonizers while others faced repression. This created a complex social dynamic that would influence resistance movements and alliances throughout colonial history.

Related terms

Cortés: Hernán Cortés was a Spanish conquistador who led the expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire and claimed large portions of Mexico for Spain.

Aztec Empire:

A Mesoamerican civilization that flourished from the 14th to the 16th century, known for its rich culture, powerful military, and extensive trade networks.

Alliances: Strategic agreements between different groups or nations to support each other militarily or politically, such as the alliance between the Tlaxcalans and the Spanish against the Aztecs.