Conquest of the Aztec Empire

Definition

The Conquest of the Aztec Empire refers to the military campaign led by Hernán Cortés in the early 16th century, culminating in the fall of Tenochtitlán in 1521. This significant event marked the beginning of Spanish dominance in Mexico and the wider region, leading to profound changes in indigenous societies, trade, and culture due to colonization. The conquest set the stage for Spanish colonial settlements, which reshaped social, economic, and political structures in New Spain.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hernán Cortés arrived in Mexico in 1519 with around 600 men and formed alliances with various indigenous groups discontented with Aztec rule, which greatly aided his campaign.
2. The fall of Tenochtitlán was marked by a brutal siege that lasted for several months, leading to widespread destruction and loss of life.
3. Cortés' conquest was significantly aided by advanced weaponry, horses, and tactics that were unfamiliar to the indigenous peoples.
4. The conquest led to the establishment of New Spain, with Mexico City built on the ruins of Tenochtitlán as the new colonial capital.
5. The impact of this conquest was far-reaching, initiating a wave of European colonization that resulted in significant demographic and cultural changes throughout the Americas.

Review Questions

• How did Hernán Cortés' alliances with other indigenous groups influence the outcome of the conquest of the Aztec Empire?
  • Cortés’ alliances with indigenous groups such as the Tlaxcalans played a crucial role in his success against the Aztecs. These groups were unhappy under Aztec rule and provided support in terms of manpower and local knowledge. This collaboration not only strengthened Cortés’ forces but also created divisions among various indigenous factions, making it easier for him to confront the Aztecs militarily.
• Evaluate the significance of Tenochtitlán's fall in shaping Spanish colonial policies in New Spain.
  • The fall of Tenochtitlán had profound implications for Spanish colonial policies in New Spain. It demonstrated both the military might of the Spanish and their ability to impose control over vast territories. Following this victory, Spanish authorities implemented a system that exploited indigenous labor and resources, leading to widespread changes in land use and agricultural practices. The collapse of such a powerful city also reinforced Spain's dominance and justified further conquests across Latin America.
• Assess how the conquest of the Aztec Empire contributed to long-term socio-economic changes in the Americas following Spanish colonization.
  • The conquest of the Aztec Empire initiated significant socio-economic changes that reshaped life in the Americas. With Spanish control established, there was a massive influx of European settlers who exploited local resources through systems like encomienda. The introduction of new crops and livestock transformed agriculture, while forced labor practices devastated indigenous populations. Over time, these factors led to mixed economies that incorporated European styles alongside traditional practices, fundamentally altering cultural identities and societal structures across regions.

Related terms

Hernán Cortés: A Spanish conquistador known for leading the expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire and bringing large portions of what is now Mexico under Spanish rule.

Tenochtitlán: The capital city of the Aztec Empire, located on an island in Lake Texcoco, which was one of the largest cities in the world at the time and played a key role in the conquest.

Spanish Colonialism: The establishment of Spanish control over vast territories in the Americas, characterized by the exploitation of resources, forced labor, and cultural assimilation of indigenous populations.