Tlaxcalan Alliance

Definition

The Tlaxcalan Alliance refers to the military and political partnership formed between the Tlaxcalans, a powerful indigenous group in central Mexico, and the Spanish conquistadors led by Hernán Cortés during the early 16th century. This alliance was pivotal in the conquest of the Aztec Empire, as it provided critical support to the Spanish in terms of troops, local knowledge, and resources, significantly impacting their military campaigns against the Aztecs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Tlaxcalans were traditional enemies of the Aztecs and saw the Spanish as potential allies to overthrow their common foe.
2. The alliance provided Cortés with thousands of Tlaxcalan warriors who played a crucial role in battles against the Aztecs.
3. The partnership enabled Cortés to gain critical intelligence about Aztec strategies and territory from his Tlaxcalan allies.
4. After the conquest, Tlaxcala maintained a unique status within New Spain, retaining some local autonomy in exchange for loyalty to Spanish rule.
5. The Tlaxcalan Alliance significantly altered the course of Mesoamerican history, showcasing how indigenous politics could influence European military strategies.

Review Questions

• How did the Tlaxcalan Alliance influence Hernán Cortés's military campaigns against the Aztec Empire?
  • The Tlaxcalan Alliance was crucial in Hernán Cortés's military campaigns because it provided him with thousands of indigenous warriors who were familiar with local terrain and tactics. This alliance not only boosted the size of his forces but also offered valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the Aztec military. The Tlaxcalans' resentment towards the Aztecs motivated them to assist Cortés in his efforts, fundamentally shaping the dynamics of warfare during this period.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of the Tlaxcalan Alliance for both the Tlaxcalans and Spanish colonization efforts.
  • The long-term consequences of the Tlaxcalan Alliance included both benefits and drawbacks for the Tlaxcalans and Spanish colonizers. For the Spanish, this alliance facilitated a quicker conquest of the Aztecs and laid foundations for Spanish control over central Mexico. For the Tlaxcalans, while they gained temporary leverage against their rivals, they ultimately became subjects within New Spain, losing some autonomy but retaining a unique identity that influenced colonial governance structures. This partnership exemplifies how indigenous groups navigated colonial dynamics for their interests.
• Synthesize how the formation of alliances like that of the Tlaxcalans with Cortés reflects broader patterns of indigenous resistance and collaboration during European conquests.
  • The formation of alliances such as that between the Tlaxcalans and Cortés reflects broader patterns of indigenous resistance and collaboration during European conquests by illustrating how native groups strategically navigated complex power dynamics. Many indigenous peoples recognized that forming alliances with Europeans could serve as a means to counterbalance rival factions or oppressive empires like the Aztecs. This phenomenon highlights an adaptive strategy among diverse cultures facing unprecedented change, where collaboration was often seen as a pragmatic approach to survival amid invasion and upheaval.

Related terms

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

Aztec Empire: The Aztec Empire was a powerful Mesoamerican civilization that dominated central Mexico from the 14th to 16th centuries, known for its rich culture and complex society.

Indigenous Alliances: Indigenous alliances were partnerships formed among various native groups during the European conquests in the Americas, often to resist colonial powers or leverage advantages against rival groups.