Tlaxcalans

Definition

The Tlaxcalans were a prominent indigenous group in central Mexico, known for their fierce resistance against the Aztec Empire and their crucial alliance with Hernán Cortés during the Spanish conquest. This strategic partnership significantly impacted the dynamics of power in Mesoamerica, leading to the fall of the Aztecs and the establishment of Spanish colonial rule.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Tlaxcalans were among the few indigenous groups to successfully resist Aztec domination, which made them valuable allies to the Spanish.
2. Cortés utilized the Tlaxcalans' knowledge of the local terrain and their military prowess to strengthen his forces against the Aztecs.
3. The alliance between the Tlaxcalans and Cortés was crucial in the Siege of Tenochtitlan, where they played a key role in the eventual defeat of the Aztec capital.
4. After aiding in the conquest, the Tlaxcalans received special privileges from the Spanish, including autonomy and land grants.
5. The relationship between the Tlaxcalans and Spaniards was complex, as they navigated both cooperation and resistance in the face of colonial rule.

Review Questions

• How did the Tlaxcalans' resistance against the Aztecs influence their relationship with Hernán Cortés?
  • The Tlaxcalans' successful resistance against Aztec control established them as a powerful group in Mesoamerica. Their longstanding animosity towards the Aztecs made them eager to ally with Hernán Cortés when he arrived. This alliance not only provided Cortés with vital local support and military strength but also allowed the Tlaxcalans to play a significant role in challenging Aztec dominance, ultimately leading to their collaboration in the conquest of Tenochtitlan.
• Analyze how the alliance between the Tlaxcalans and Hernán Cortés affected Mesoamerican power dynamics during the conquest.
  • The alliance between the Tlaxcalans and Hernán Cortés shifted power dynamics dramatically in Mesoamerica. By aligning with Cortés, the Tlaxcalans transitioned from an independent resistance group to key players in a larger colonial agenda. This partnership enabled them to participate directly in dismantling Aztec power, paving the way for Spanish colonization and altering traditional structures of authority among indigenous peoples.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of Tlaxcalan cooperation with Cortés on indigenous societies in Mexico post-conquest.
  • The cooperation of the Tlaxcalans with Hernán Cortés had profound long-term implications for indigenous societies in Mexico. While they gained certain privileges initially, such as autonomy and land rights, this collaboration ultimately contributed to a legacy of division among indigenous groups. The alliance set a precedent for other indigenous factions to engage with European powers, but it also led to conflicts among groups as colonial policies began to favor certain alliances over others, resulting in significant cultural and political changes in post-conquest Mexico.

Related terms

Hernán Cortés:

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

Aztec Empire: A powerful Mesoamerican civilization that dominated central Mexico before the arrival of the Spanish, known for its advanced society and vast territory.

Conquistadors: Spanish explorers and warriors who conquered large parts of the Americas during the Age of Discovery, often motivated by wealth, glory, and spreading Christianity.