Tlaxcalan Alliance

Definition

The Tlaxcalan Alliance was a crucial coalition formed between the Tlaxcalans, an indigenous group in central Mexico, and Spanish conquistadors led by Hernán Cortés during the early 16th century. This alliance significantly aided the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire, as the Tlaxcalans provided military support, resources, and local knowledge, helping to turn the tide against the more powerful Aztec forces.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Tlaxcalans were traditional enemies of the Aztecs and were motivated by a desire for revenge against them when they allied with the Spanish.
2. The alliance was formalized through negotiations and was marked by mutual benefits, including military aid for the Tlaxcalans and a promise from Cortés to respect their sovereignty.
3. The Tlaxcalan troops played a vital role in several key battles against the Aztecs, providing thousands of warriors who significantly outnumbered Spanish forces.
4. This alliance not only contributed to the downfall of Tenochtitlán but also allowed Cortés to establish a foothold in Mesoamerica, influencing future Spanish colonization efforts.
5. The Tlaxcalans faced repercussions after the conquest, as their initial partnership with the Spanish led to exploitation and marginalization under colonial rule.

Review Questions

• How did the Tlaxcalan Alliance impact the dynamics of power during the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire?
  • The Tlaxcalan Alliance shifted the balance of power during the conquest by providing Hernán Cortés with crucial military support and local knowledge. As traditional rivals of the Aztecs, the Tlaxcalans offered thousands of warriors to aid in battles, significantly enhancing Cortés' chances of success. This partnership allowed the Spanish to exploit existing rivalries among indigenous groups and ultimately led to the fall of Tenochtitlán.
• Discuss the motivations behind the formation of the Tlaxcalan Alliance with Hernán Cortés and its consequences for both parties.
  • The formation of the Tlaxcalan Alliance was motivated by a shared animosity towards the Aztecs, as the Tlaxcalans sought to weaken their powerful neighbor. By aligning with Cortés, they aimed to achieve revenge and gain an advantage over their longstanding enemy. However, while this alliance initially brought victory against the Aztecs, it later resulted in adverse consequences for the Tlaxcalans as they faced exploitation and loss of autonomy under Spanish colonial rule.
• Evaluate how the Tlaxcalan Alliance exemplifies broader themes of indigenous agency and collaboration during the early phases of European colonization in Mesoamerica.
  • The Tlaxcalan Alliance serves as a significant example of indigenous agency as it highlights how native groups could strategically navigate relationships with European powers for their own ends. By collaborating with Hernán Cortés against a common foe, the Tlaxcalans exercised their own political decision-making despite being faced with existential threats. However, this alliance also underscores themes of unintended consequences, as their collaboration with the Spanish ultimately led to their subjugation and exploitation in a rapidly changing colonial landscape.

Related terms

Hernán Cortés:

The 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 existed in central Mexico prior to the Spanish conquest, known for its architectural achievements, military prowess, and complex society.

Mesoamerica: A historical region and cultural area in southern North America and central America, known for its pre-Columbian societies, including the Olmec, Maya, and Aztec civilizations.