Alliance with Tlaxcala

Definition

The Alliance with Tlaxcala was a crucial military and political agreement formed between Hernán Cortés and the Tlaxcalans in 1519, allowing the Spanish conquistador to gain valuable allies in his expedition against the Aztec Empire. This partnership was significant as the Tlaxcalans, who were traditional enemies of the Aztecs, provided critical support, resources, and troops that helped Cortés and his men advance toward Tenochtitlan, the Aztec capital. The alliance underscored the importance of local indigenous alliances in the success of European conquest during this period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The alliance was forged after initial conflicts between Cortés' forces and Tlaxcalan warriors, leading to negotiations that ultimately benefited both sides.
2. The Tlaxcalans provided thousands of warriors to assist Cortés in his military campaigns against the Aztecs, significantly boosting his forces.
3. This alliance was strategic; it not only provided manpower but also valuable intelligence about Aztec movements and military tactics.
4. The cooperation between Cortés and Tlaxcala showcased how indigenous politics played a significant role in the conquest process, as local rivalries were leveraged by European powers.
5. The alliance laid the groundwork for further Spanish dominance in Mesoamerica, setting a precedent for future relationships between Spaniards and indigenous groups.

Review Questions

• How did the alliance with Tlaxcala influence Hernán Cortés' military strategies during his campaign against the Aztecs?
  • The alliance with Tlaxcala significantly enhanced Hernán Cortés' military strategies by providing him with a large contingent of indigenous warriors who were motivated to fight against their traditional enemies, the Aztecs. This not only increased his troop numbers but also allowed him to utilize local knowledge about terrain and enemy tactics. As a result, Cortés could execute more effective strategies during battles and sieges, ultimately leading to greater success in his conquest of Tenochtitlan.
• In what ways did the political dynamics between the Tlaxcalans and Aztecs affect the formation of the alliance with Cortés?
  • The longstanding enmity between the Tlaxcalans and Aztecs played a pivotal role in the formation of the alliance with Cortés. The Tlaxcalans had suffered under Aztec domination through tribute demands and military incursions, creating a strong desire for revenge and autonomy. By aligning with Cortés, they saw an opportunity to weaken their enemy while also gaining access to new weaponry and military tactics that could help them regain control over their own territory. This mutual interest allowed for a powerful coalition that significantly impacted the course of conquest.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Alliance with Tlaxcala on the relationships between Spanish colonizers and indigenous populations in Mesoamerica.
  • The Alliance with Tlaxcala set a significant precedent for how Spanish colonizers would interact with indigenous populations throughout Mesoamerica. In establishing this alliance, Cortés demonstrated that local rivalries could be exploited to achieve Spanish goals. This approach fostered an environment where other indigenous groups were often pitted against one another or coerced into alliances based on previous conflicts. Over time, these dynamics contributed to mistrust among various groups and facilitated Spanish colonization efforts by creating divisions that undermined collective resistance against foreign rule.

Related terms

Cortés: Hernán Cortés was the Spanish conquistador responsible for the fall of the Aztec Empire and the establishment of Spanish rule in Mexico.

Tlaxcala: Tlaxcala was a prominent indigenous state in central Mexico known for its resistance against the Aztec Empire, making it a key ally for Cortés during his campaign.

Tenochtitlan: Tenochtitlan was the capital of the Aztec Empire, located on an island in Lake Texcoco, and served as a central target for Cortés and his forces during their conquest.