Social Studies 8: Unit Social Studies 8: Unit 22

Chapter 10: Chapter 10: A Deadly MeetingA Deadly Meeting

The MeetingThe Meeting

In 1519, CortIn 1519, Cortéés and his crew met s and his crew met with the Aztecs for the first time.with the Aztecs for the first time.

The Aztecs had been investigating The Aztecs had been investigating reports of “mysterious strangers in reports of “mysterious strangers in nearby territories. . . Men in odd nearby territories. . . Men in odd clothing and sailing boats as big as clothing and sailing boats as big as mountains.”mountains.”

In the end, Moctezuma sent a small In the end, Moctezuma sent a small group of Aztecs to greet the group of Aztecs to greet the strangers and to give them gifts—strangers and to give them gifts—why do you think they did this?why do you think they did this?

Cortés, the ConquistadorCortés, the Conquistador

HernHernáán Cortésn Cortés grew up in Spain grew up in Spain during a period of great change.during a period of great change.

The defeat of the Muslims and the The defeat of the Muslims and the Inquisition had produced political and Inquisition had produced political and religious unity in Spain.religious unity in Spain.

Cortés believed that these changes Cortés believed that these changes made Spain a better place in which made Spain a better place in which to live. to live.

Cortés, the ConquistadorCortés, the Conquistador

Cortés liked adventure and was Cortés liked adventure and was ambitious. He decided to go to the ambitious. He decided to go to the “New World” in search of gold and “New World” in search of gold and glory.glory.

He represented the Spanish He represented the Spanish worldview in his desire to explore the worldview in his desire to explore the “New World”, which led to his “New World”, which led to his meeting and eventually conquering meeting and eventually conquering the Aztec peoples.the Aztec peoples.

Tenochtitlan—A Strategic Tenochtitlan—A Strategic PositionPosition

Look at the map on page 217 and Look at the map on page 217 and locate Tenochtitlan.locate Tenochtitlan.

Tenochtitlan had a good Tenochtitlan had a good strategic strategic positionposition..

It was centrally located in Mexico, it It was centrally located in Mexico, it wasn’t far from the coast of the Gulf of wasn’t far from the coast of the Gulf of Mexico (where the Caribbean Islands Mexico (where the Caribbean Islands were located), and it was close to the were located), and it was close to the settlement of Veracruz. settlement of Veracruz. All these All these factors made it a desirable site factors made it a desirable site for the Spanish to conquer. for the Spanish to conquer.

The CaribbeanThe Caribbean

Cortés believed that the Caribbean Cortés believed that the Caribbean would be a good place to make his would be a good place to make his fortune, as he had heard that gold was fortune, as he had heard that gold was plentiful there.plentiful there.

When he arrived on the island of When he arrived on the island of Hispaniola in 1504, the governor gave Hispaniola in 1504, the governor gave him a large farm.him a large farm.

He was unhappy with the offer, as he He was unhappy with the offer, as he “came to get gold, not to till the land “came to get gold, not to till the land like a peasant.”like a peasant.”

Cortés would not be satisfied until he Cortés would not be satisfied until he had found his gold…and his glory.had found his gold…and his glory.

Conquering AreasConquering Areas

Later, Cortés was asked to join an Later, Cortés was asked to join an expedition to conquer Cuba, an expedition to conquer Cuba, an island just west of Hispaniola.island just west of Hispaniola.

Cortés eagerly accepted. With just Cortés eagerly accepted. With just 300 men, the Spanish conquered 300 men, the Spanish conquered Cuba using their Cuba using their Conquistadors’ Conquistadors’ FormulaFormula. This formula was the . This formula was the reason behind the Conquistadors’ reason behind the Conquistadors’ success.success.

The Conquistadors’ FormulaThe Conquistadors’ Formula

A.A. An expedition would set out from An expedition would set out from a recent colony.a recent colony.

B.B. After landing in a new region, After landing in a new region, the Spanish would try to meet the Spanish would try to meet peacefully with the first groups of peacefully with the first groups of Indigenous (First Nations) people Indigenous (First Nations) people they encountered. This was to see they encountered. This was to see which group in the area was most which group in the area was most powerful.powerful.

The Conquistadors’ FormulaThe Conquistadors’ Formula

C.C. The Spanish would invite the The Spanish would invite the leader of that powerful group to a leader of that powerful group to a meeting to exchange gifts. Then the meeting to exchange gifts. Then the Spanish would seize the leader and Spanish would seize the leader and threaten to kill him unless his followers threaten to kill him unless his followers obeyed his orders.obeyed his orders.

D.D. If they did have to fight, the If they did have to fight, the Spanish would try to do so on open Spanish would try to do so on open ground. Their horses, armour, and ground. Their horses, armour, and weapons gave them a huge advantage.weapons gave them a huge advantage.

The Conquistadors’ FormulaThe Conquistadors’ Formula

E.E. The leader of the expedition The leader of the expedition would remain as governor of the new would remain as governor of the new colony, and his second-in-command colony, and his second-in-command would organize the next expedition. would organize the next expedition. The Indigenous peoples would be The Indigenous peoples would be forced into slavery.forced into slavery.

HeroesHeroes

Read the story of RomRead the story of Romééo Dallaire on o Dallaire on page 218. Why is he described as a page 218. Why is he described as a hero? What do you think makes a hero? What do you think makes a hero? hero?

Images of CortImages of Cortééss

Look at the two images of CortLook at the two images of Cortéés on s on page 219. How is he portrayed in page 219. How is he portrayed in the paintings and why do you think the paintings and why do you think he is portrayed that way?he is portrayed that way?

By Christoph Weiditz (1529)By Christoph Weiditz (1529)

By Diego Rivera (1951)By Diego Rivera (1951)

Cause and EffectCause and Effect

A A causecause is an incident or series of is an incident or series of incidents that lead to something else.incidents that lead to something else.

An An effecteffect is the result or is the result or consequence of one or more causes.consequence of one or more causes.

Cause and Effect: Cause and Effect: Cortés and the AztecsCortés and the Aztecs

CAUSE:CAUSE:A desire for gold and A desire for gold and

glory.glory.

Wanting to build the Wanting to build the Spanish empire.Spanish empire.

Spreading ChristianitySpreading Christianity

(Can you think of (Can you think of more?)more?)

EFFECTEFFECTLeaving homeland in Leaving homeland in

search of new areas to search of new areas to conquer.conquer.

Risking lives in conflicts Risking lives in conflicts (people die).(people die).

Fighting deadly wars Fighting deadly wars (destroying (destroying civilizations)civilizations)

(Can you think of more?)(Can you think of more?)

Cortés grows RestlessCortés grows Restless

Cortés remained in Cuba, second in Cortés remained in Cuba, second in command to Governor Velcommand to Governor Velázquez.ázquez.

After 8 years, he grew restless again. After 8 years, he grew restless again. He wanted to learn more about the He wanted to learn more about the Yucatan Peninsula, a large landmass Yucatan Peninsula, a large landmass to the west of Cuba.to the west of Cuba.

VelVelázquez sent out two expeditions to ázquez sent out two expeditions to this area, which brought back reports this area, which brought back reports that caused great excitement.that caused great excitement.

Cortés grows RestlessCortés grows Restless

It seemed that there was a It seemed that there was a civilization in this new land that was civilization in this new land that was stronger, more advanced, and stronger, more advanced, and wealthier than any group of people wealthier than any group of people the Spanish had yet encountered.the Spanish had yet encountered.

This was the opportunity Cortés This was the opportunity Cortés had been waiting for—a chance had been waiting for—a chance to conquer a strong, advanced, to conquer a strong, advanced, and wealthy society and to gain and wealthy society and to gain from their wealth. from their wealth.

Cortés’ New ExpeditionCortés’ New Expedition

Cortés got VelCortés got Velázquez to help finance ázquez to help finance an expedition to the Yucatan. an expedition to the Yucatan.

Cortés scoured Cuba for experienced Cortés scoured Cuba for experienced soldiers and used loans to buy ships.soldiers and used loans to buy ships.

In a few months, he had 11 ships, In a few months, he had 11 ships, 508 soldiers, 100 sailors, 200 508 soldiers, 100 sailors, 200 Indigenous slaves, and 16 horses for Indigenous slaves, and 16 horses for the expedition.the expedition.

Cortés’ New ExpeditionCortés’ New Expedition

Before leaving the harbour in Cuba, Before leaving the harbour in Cuba, Cortés stood on a packing crate and Cortés stood on a packing crate and made a speech to his forces.made a speech to his forces.

In his speech, he indicated his main In his speech, he indicated his main reasons for the expedition:reasons for the expedition:– Taking vast and wealthy lands.Taking vast and wealthy lands.– Waging war on the people there.Waging war on the people there.– Gaining fame, glory, and wealth from Gaining fame, glory, and wealth from

their deeds.their deeds.

VelVelázquez Grows Suspiciousázquez Grows Suspicious

However, just as Cortés was setting However, just as Cortés was setting sail, Velsail, Velázquez arrived and tried to ázquez arrived and tried to cancel the expedition!cancel the expedition!

He was worried that Cortés would get He was worried that Cortés would get all the glory for his discoveries and all the glory for his discoveries and not recognize his authority over the not recognize his authority over the new lands Cortés might conquer.new lands Cortés might conquer.

Cortés ignored the governor and Cortés ignored the governor and continued on his way.continued on his way.

Cortés Arrives in MexicoCortés Arrives in Mexico

It turns out that VelIt turns out that Velázquez was right to ázquez was right to be concerned.be concerned.

Before going inland to the Aztec Empire, Before going inland to the Aztec Empire, Cortés established a town (Veracruz) on Cortés established a town (Veracruz) on the coast of Mexico and declared an the coast of Mexico and declared an independent government.independent government.

This meant that he was now responsible This meant that he was now responsible to King Carlos I, not to King Carlos I, not VelVelázquez. ázquez.

Cortés Arrives in MexicoCortés Arrives in Mexico

Cortés sent one ship to Spain with all Cortés sent one ship to Spain with all the treasure he had collected so far, the treasure he had collected so far, and then and then sank the other ten shipssank the other ten ships!!

This action made it impossible for any This action made it impossible for any soldiers loyal to Velsoldiers loyal to Velázquez to defect ázquez to defect from this expedition and to return to from this expedition and to return to Cuba. They were forced to continue Cuba. They were forced to continue with Cortés to find the Aztecs.with Cortés to find the Aztecs.

An Unequal FightAn Unequal Fight

Both the Spanish and the Aztecs had Both the Spanish and the Aztecs had powerful tools of war, but they powerful tools of war, but they weren’t evenly matched.weren’t evenly matched.

An Unequal FightAn Unequal Fight War Club (Aztecs)War Club (Aztecs) A war club could cut A war club could cut

like a knife, but like a knife, but shattered against shattered against armour.armour.

Designed for swinging Designed for swinging and chopping, but and chopping, but was so heavy that a was so heavy that a soldier had to use two soldier had to use two hands to hold it.hands to hold it.

Sword (Spanish)Sword (Spanish) Steel swords were Steel swords were

double-edged, needle double-edged, needle pointed, and sharp as a pointed, and sharp as a razor. 1 metre long.razor. 1 metre long.

A fighter could both A fighter could both slash and stab at slash and stab at enemy with deadly enemy with deadly effect.effect.

Lightweight, so could be Lightweight, so could be held only in one hand—held only in one hand—other hand free to carry other hand free to carry shield or hold reins of shield or hold reins of horse.horse.

An Unequal FightAn Unequal Fight

An Unequal FightAn Unequal Fight Wooden Spear Wooden Spear

(Aztec)(Aztec) Spear ends were Spear ends were

sharpened wood sharpened wood hardened in fire.hardened in fire.

Aztecs would try to Aztecs would try to get in close to get in close to enemy and thrust enemy and thrust the spears at the spears at unprotected areas, unprotected areas, such as eyes and such as eyes and throat.throat.

Halberd Halberd (Spanish)(Spanish)

A halberd was over A halberd was over two metres long two metres long and had a spear and had a spear blade, an axe blade, an axe point, and a hook.point, and a hook.

An Unequal FightAn Unequal Fight

An Unequal FightAn Unequal Fight

Atlatl (Aztecs)Atlatl (Aztecs) A piece of jointed A piece of jointed

wood that allowed wood that allowed an Aztec soldier to an Aztec soldier to throw a short spear throw a short spear great distances, with great distances, with much more force much more force than using his arm than using his arm alone.alone.

Aztecs also had Aztecs also had bows and arrows, bows and arrows, and slings.and slings.

Crossbow (Spanish)Crossbow (Spanish) A crossbow could A crossbow could

shoot a wooden arrow shoot a wooden arrow with such force that it with such force that it could penetrate (go could penetrate (go through) even the through) even the thickest armour.thickest armour.

An Unequal FightAn Unequal Fight

Muskets and CannonsMuskets and Cannons

The Spanish also brought with them The Spanish also brought with them some other kinds of weapon that took some other kinds of weapon that took the Aztecs completely by surprise: the Aztecs completely by surprise: muskets and cannons.muskets and cannons.

Muskets were long, rifle-like guns that Muskets were long, rifle-like guns that were fired by the shoulder.were fired by the shoulder.

These firearms were common in These firearms were common in Europe, but completely unknown in Europe, but completely unknown in Mexico.Mexico.

Muskets and CannonsMuskets and Cannons

When the Aztecs When the Aztecs first heard the first heard the muskets and muskets and cannons go off, cannons go off, they thought it was they thought it was thunder and thunder and lightning!lightning!

Displays of PowerDisplays of Power

After he got news of the Spanish landing, After he got news of the Spanish landing, Moctezuma sent ambassadors to their Moctezuma sent ambassadors to their camp to find out what they wanted.camp to find out what they wanted.

Cortés ordered his men to fire their Cortés ordered his men to fire their weapons before the ambassadors left.weapons before the ambassadors left.

They showed off their weapons in order to They showed off their weapons in order to show their dominance in weaponry and show their dominance in weaponry and technology, and to send a message to technology, and to send a message to Moctezuma that a powerful group had Moctezuma that a powerful group had landed. Cortés hoped to gain an early landed. Cortés hoped to gain an early advantage through showing off his advantage through showing off his weapons.weapons.

Displays of PowerDisplays of Power

Read the “Voices” section on page 225 Read the “Voices” section on page 225 labeled “Nuclear Weapons.” By using labeled “Nuclear Weapons.” By using superior technology in a war, one side can superior technology in a war, one side can win quickly over the other side. Also, the win quickly over the other side. Also, the winning side gets to keep or spread its winning side gets to keep or spread its beliefs and values—in other words, its beliefs and values—in other words, its worldview.worldview.

How does this explain why one side in How does this explain why one side in a war might be willing to use powerful or a war might be willing to use powerful or devastating weapons? What do you think?devastating weapons? What do you think?

The Horse as a WeaponThe Horse as a Weapon

The third military advantage the The third military advantage the Spanish had over the Aztecs was the Spanish had over the Aztecs was the horses they brought with them.horses they brought with them.

Because the Aztecs and other Because the Aztecs and other Indigenous peoples had never seen Indigenous peoples had never seen horses, Cortés was able to use the horses, Cortés was able to use the animals to his advantage.animals to his advantage.

The horses’ size, power, and speed The horses’ size, power, and speed fascinated the Aztecs. fascinated the Aztecs.

The Horse as a WeaponThe Horse as a Weapon

As well, the Spanish As well, the Spanish were such well-were such well-trained riders that trained riders that they could hold the they could hold the reins with one hand reins with one hand and attack an and attack an enemy with a enemy with a weapon using the weapon using the other hand.other hand.

The Aztecs, on foot, The Aztecs, on foot, could not compete.could not compete.

The Role of DiseaseThe Role of Disease

In the conflict between the Aztecs In the conflict between the Aztecs and the Spanish, disease gave the and the Spanish, disease gave the Spanish an advantage.Spanish an advantage.

At a critical point in the conflict, a At a critical point in the conflict, a smallpox epidemicsmallpox epidemic broke out in broke out in Tenochtitlan, killing large numbers of Tenochtitlan, killing large numbers of Aztecs and weakening their ability to Aztecs and weakening their ability to resist the Spanish assault.resist the Spanish assault.

The Role of DiseaseThe Role of Disease

Though no one knows for sure, it is Though no one knows for sure, it is thought that a Spanish slave brought thought that a Spanish slave brought smallpox to Mexico.smallpox to Mexico.

The Aztecs were so affected by The Aztecs were so affected by smallpox because they had never smallpox because they had never been exposed to the disease before, been exposed to the disease before, and therefore had no immunity to it.and therefore had no immunity to it.

As so many Aztecs fell victim to the As so many Aztecs fell victim to the disease, it cleared the way toward disease, it cleared the way toward Spanish domination of the Aztec Spanish domination of the Aztec people.people.

The Aztec Smallpox The Aztec Smallpox EpidemicEpidemic

Pandemics TodayPandemics Today

Read the “Fast Forward” on page Read the “Fast Forward” on page 228 to learn about pandemic 228 to learn about pandemic awareness in our modern world.awareness in our modern world.

The Aztecs and The Spanish: The Aztecs and The Spanish: SimilaritiesSimilarities

The two groups had a LOT in common:The two groups had a LOT in common: Both were warlike groups.Both were warlike groups. Both were focused on trading and Both were focused on trading and

mercantile.mercantile. Both were avaricious (greedy), and Both were avaricious (greedy), and

quick to resort to force to get what quick to resort to force to get what they wanted.they wanted.

Both believed they had a divine Both believed they had a divine mission to rule the world!mission to rule the world!

Cortés’ StrategyCortés’ Strategy

We have learned that the Aztecs We have learned that the Aztecs focused on dominating and focused on dominating and conquering other groups in the area.conquering other groups in the area.

They forced the conquered groups to They forced the conquered groups to pay pay tributetribute (money and goods). (money and goods).

The Aztecs also engaged in “flower The Aztecs also engaged in “flower wars” with their neighbours, which wars” with their neighbours, which were ritual battles aimed at getting were ritual battles aimed at getting victims for sacrifice.victims for sacrifice.

Cortés’ StrategyCortés’ Strategy

After establishing his colony on the After establishing his colony on the coast, Cortés knew he needed to coast, Cortés knew he needed to either conquer or befriend the either conquer or befriend the Aztecs’ neighbours.Aztecs’ neighbours.

Cortés knew that he could use the Cortés knew that he could use the Aztecs’ neighbours (and their Aztecs’ neighbours (and their negative feelings toward the Aztecs) negative feelings toward the Aztecs) to his advantage. They would help to his advantage. They would help him to conquer the Aztecs.him to conquer the Aztecs.

MalincheMalinche

When Cortés’ group defeated the When Cortés’ group defeated the Tabascan people, Cortés was given Tabascan people, Cortés was given food, clothing, gold, and slaves.food, clothing, gold, and slaves.

One slave was a young woman One slave was a young woman named Malinche. She was originally named Malinche. She was originally from a noble family, and sold into from a noble family, and sold into slavery when her father died.slavery when her father died.

She would give Cortés the key he She would give Cortés the key he needed to overcome the Aztecs.needed to overcome the Aztecs.

MalincheMalinche

Malinche acted as an intermediary (a Malinche acted as an intermediary (a link between Cortés and Moctezuma). link between Cortés and Moctezuma).

She could speak Nahuatl, the She could speak Nahuatl, the language of the Aztec people. In a language of the Aztec people. In a short time, she learned to speak short time, she learned to speak Spanish and converted to Christianity.Spanish and converted to Christianity.

She became Cortés’ advisor and She became Cortés’ advisor and spy, and without her help, he spy, and without her help, he would not have succeeded would not have succeeded against the Aztecs.against the Aztecs.

The March to TenochtitlanThe March to Tenochtitlan

Cortés continued on his march to Cortés continued on his march to Tenochtitlan. Each group he met Tenochtitlan. Each group he met viewed the arrival of the Spanish viewed the arrival of the Spanish differently, so Cortés was forced to differently, so Cortés was forced to constantly adapt his strategy.constantly adapt his strategy.

See the map on page 230 for Cortés’ See the map on page 230 for Cortés’ route to Tenochtitlan.route to Tenochtitlan.

The TotonacsThe Totonacs

These people invited Cortés to their These people invited Cortés to their capital city, Zempoala.capital city, Zempoala.

They complained about the tribute They complained about the tribute the Aztecs collected.the Aztecs collected.

Cortés agreed to give them Cortés agreed to give them protection from the Aztecs in protection from the Aztecs in exchange for some of their warriors.exchange for some of their warriors.

The TotonacsThe Totonacs

The Tlaxcalans The Tlaxcalans ((Tlahsh-CALL-lahns)Tlahsh-CALL-lahns)

This group fought the Spanish, but This group fought the Spanish, but the Spanish soldiers held them off the Spanish soldiers held them off and offered to make peace.and offered to make peace.

The Tlaxcalans agreed, and added The Tlaxcalans agreed, and added 1000 of their own soldiers to the 1000 of their own soldiers to the Spanish forces.Spanish forces.

The Tlaxcalans Welcome the The Tlaxcalans Welcome the SpaniardsSpaniards

The CholulansThe Cholulans(choh-LOO-lahns)(choh-LOO-lahns)

This group were loyal allies of the This group were loyal allies of the Aztecs.Aztecs.

Malinche overheard a conspiracy to Malinche overheard a conspiracy to attack the Spanish and she alerted attack the Spanish and she alerted Cortés.Cortés.

As a result, the Spanish conquered As a result, the Spanish conquered the Cholulan people and they were the Cholulan people and they were unable to warn the Aztecs.unable to warn the Aztecs.

The CholulansThe Cholulans

Moctezuma’s StrategyMoctezuma’s Strategy

Moctezuma chose not to attack the Moctezuma chose not to attack the Spanish right away.Spanish right away.

Instead, he chose to sit back and Instead, he chose to sit back and wait—in order to see what they were wait—in order to see what they were planning to do.planning to do.

As the Spanish drew closer to As the Spanish drew closer to Tenochtitlan, he waited and thought Tenochtitlan, he waited and thought about what to do.about what to do.

Moctezuma’s DecisionMoctezuma’s Decision

Moctezuma allowed Cortés to enter Moctezuma allowed Cortés to enter Tenochtitlan, exchanged gifts with Tenochtitlan, exchanged gifts with him, and welcomed him with a speech.him, and welcomed him with a speech.

Cortés replied that his group were Cortés replied that his group were peaceful.peaceful.

Cortés and his forces were taken to Cortés and his forces were taken to live in the palace of Moctezuma’s late live in the palace of Moctezuma’s late father, then were shown the glories of father, then were shown the glories of the city.the city.

Moctezuma and CortésMoctezuma and Cortés

Welcoming CortésWelcoming Cortés

Gold!Gold!

The Spanish were impressed by the The Spanish were impressed by the great city, but they were amazed by great city, but they were amazed by the giant market.the giant market.

At the market, they saw more golden At the market, they saw more golden treasures, which made them very treasures, which made them very excited.excited.

This wealth and the desire to lead this This wealth and the desire to lead this great society finally caused Cortés to great society finally caused Cortés to attack.attack.

The Attack BeginsThe Attack Begins

The Spanish placed Moctezuma The Spanish placed Moctezuma under house arrest in his palace. under house arrest in his palace. They looted gold from the royal They looted gold from the royal palaces and melted it down.palaces and melted it down.

They then forced Moctezuma to They then forced Moctezuma to make himself a subject of Spanish make himself a subject of Spanish rule.rule.

The Return of VelázquezThe Return of Velázquez

During the first attack, news came to During the first attack, news came to Cortés that more Spanish troops had Cortés that more Spanish troops had arrived on the coast.arrived on the coast.

Their goal was to arrest Cortés in the Their goal was to arrest Cortés in the name of Governor Velázquez.name of Governor Velázquez.

Cortés left Tenochtitlan to deal with Cortés left Tenochtitlan to deal with this threat, leaving Pedro de this threat, leaving Pedro de Alvarado in charge.Alvarado in charge.

Pedro de AlvaradoPedro de Alvarado

Alvarado gave the Aztecs permission Alvarado gave the Aztecs permission to hold a festival.to hold a festival.

However, at the festival he had his However, at the festival he had his troops kill all the dancers.troops kill all the dancers.

Why do you think he did this?Why do you think he did this?

Cortés and VelázquezCortés and Velázquez

Cortés defeated Velázquez’s forces, Cortés defeated Velázquez’s forces, and convinced them to join him in and convinced them to join him in the fight against the Aztecs.the fight against the Aztecs.

When Cortés returned, Tenochtitlan When Cortés returned, Tenochtitlan was in an uproar.was in an uproar.

Moctezuma’s FateMoctezuma’s Fate

Later, Moctezuma was forced to Later, Moctezuma was forced to speak to his people to calm them, speak to his people to calm them, but they threw stones at their but they threw stones at their emperor. emperor.

Moctezuma died shortly afterwards, Moctezuma died shortly afterwards, either from injuries sustained from either from injuries sustained from being hit by stones, or by being being hit by stones, or by being strangled by the Spanish. strangled by the Spanish.

A Small Glimmer of HopeA Small Glimmer of Hope

The Aztecs had time to prepare for The Aztecs had time to prepare for Cortés’ return, and they made the Cortés’ return, and they made the most of it.most of it.

They attacked the Spanish and their They attacked the Spanish and their allies, killed many of them, and drove allies, killed many of them, and drove the rest out of Tenochtitlan.the rest out of Tenochtitlan.

The Final BattleThe Final Battle

Cortés returned and attacked Cortés returned and attacked Tenochtitlan with a stronger force Tenochtitlan with a stronger force about six months later.about six months later.

The smallpox epidemic had killed off The smallpox epidemic had killed off about 25% of the Aztec population.about 25% of the Aztec population.

The Spanish cut the aqueducts to the The Spanish cut the aqueducts to the city, and after a siege of about 80 city, and after a siege of about 80 days the Aztecs were defeated.days the Aztecs were defeated.

The Final BattleThe Final Battle

The Spanish tore down the city of The Spanish tore down the city of Tenochtitlan as they captured it, Tenochtitlan as they captured it, preparing to build a new city of their preparing to build a new city of their own.own.

Only 60,000 Aztecs survived in the Only 60,000 Aztecs survived in the city, which lay in ruins around them.city, which lay in ruins around them.

The Aztec Empire had ceased to exist. The Aztec Empire had ceased to exist. In its place, Cortés would lay the In its place, Cortés would lay the foundations of another Spanish colony.foundations of another Spanish colony.