Conquest of the Aztec Empire

Definition

The conquest of the Aztec Empire refers to the military campaign led by Spanish conquistadors, primarily Hernán Cortés, that resulted in the overthrow of the Aztec civilization in the early 16th century. This significant event marked the beginning of Spanish colonization in what is now Mexico, leading to vast territorial changes and the establishment of Spanish rule over the indigenous peoples.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cortés arrived in Mexico in 1519 and quickly formed alliances with various indigenous groups who were enemies of the Aztecs, which helped him build a stronger military force.
2. The capture of Tenochtitlán in 1521 after a lengthy siege marked the fall of the Aztec Empire and established Spanish dominance over the region.
3. The conquest was aided by factors such as superior weaponry, horses, and the spread of diseases like smallpox that devastated the indigenous population.
4. The fall of the Aztec Empire led to significant social, cultural, and economic changes in Mexico, paving the way for Spanish colonization and exploitation of resources.
5. After the conquest, Spain established New Spain as a colonial territory, which greatly expanded its influence in the Americas and led to widespread conversion efforts among indigenous peoples.

Review Questions

• How did Hernán Cortés's strategies and alliances contribute to the success of the conquest of the Aztec Empire?
  • Hernán Cortés's success in conquering the Aztec Empire was largely due to his strategic alliances with various indigenous groups who opposed Aztec rule. By forming these alliances, he was able to bolster his forces with local warriors, which gave him an advantage over the larger but less united Aztec military. Additionally, Cortés used tactics such as psychological warfare and deception to undermine Aztec confidence, ultimately leading to their defeat.
• Discuss the impact of diseases brought by Europeans on the outcome of the conquest of the Aztec Empire.
  • Diseases such as smallpox had a catastrophic impact on the indigenous population during the conquest of the Aztec Empire. The introduction of these diseases by Europeans decimated large portions of the Aztec population, significantly weakening their ability to resist conquest. This biological factor created an unanticipated advantage for Cortés and his forces, as it eroded social structures and diminished manpower needed to defend against invaders.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the conquest of the Aztec Empire on Mexican society and culture.
  • The conquest of the Aztec Empire had profound long-term effects on Mexican society and culture, resulting in significant demographic shifts due to intermarriage between Spaniards and indigenous peoples. This blending created a new mestizo culture that combined elements from both backgrounds. Additionally, Spanish colonization imposed new governance structures, religious practices, and economic systems that altered traditional ways of life. The legacy of this conquest continues to influence modern Mexican identity and societal structures.

Related terms

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

Motecuhzoma II: The last emperor of the Aztec Empire who ruled during its conquest and was ultimately captured and killed by the Spanish.

Tenochtitlán: The capital city of the Aztec Empire, located on an island in Lake Texcoco, which was a major center of culture and power before its destruction by the Spanish.