The Tlaxcalan alliance was a strategic partnership formed between the Tlaxcalans, an indigenous people of central Mexico, and Spanish conquistadors led by Hernán Cortés during the early 16th century. This alliance played a crucial role in the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire, as the Tlaxcalans provided military support, local knowledge, and resources to aid the Spaniards in their campaign against the Aztecs.
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The Tlaxcalan alliance was formed in 1519, shortly after Cortés arrived in Mexico, as Tlaxcalans sought to resist Aztec domination.
This alliance was pivotal in providing Cortés with thousands of indigenous warriors, which significantly boosted his military strength during the campaign against the Aztecs.
The Tlaxcalans were previously enemies of the Aztecs, which motivated their collaboration with the Spanish to overthrow their common foe.
After the conquest of the Aztec Empire, the Tlaxcalans received special privileges from the Spanish crown, including land grants and autonomy in governance.
The alliance ultimately changed the political landscape of Mesoamerica, leading to further Spanish colonization and the establishment of colonial rule over indigenous peoples.
Review Questions
How did the Tlaxcalan alliance influence the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire?
The Tlaxcalan alliance was instrumental in facilitating the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire by providing Hernán Cortés with military support and local knowledge. The Tlaxcalans, being familiar with their land and enemy strategies, helped orchestrate successful attacks against the Aztecs. Their alliance not only bolstered Cortés's forces but also showcased how indigenous groups could navigate alliances with Europeans to alter power dynamics in Mesoamerica.
Evaluate the consequences of the Tlaxcalan alliance for both the Tlaxcalans and the Spanish following the fall of the Aztec Empire.
Following the fall of the Aztec Empire, the Tlaxcalan alliance resulted in significant changes for both parties. For the Tlaxcalans, they gained certain privileges under Spanish rule, such as land ownership and self-governance rights, but they also faced increased colonial pressures and loss of autonomy. For the Spanish, this alliance allowed them to establish a foothold in Mesoamerica and expand their influence, ultimately leading to further conquests and colonial expansion across Mexico.
Assess how the Tlaxcalan alliance reflects broader patterns of indigenous resistance and adaptation in response to European colonization.
The Tlaxcalan alliance illustrates a complex response among indigenous groups to European colonization, demonstrating both resistance against common enemies and adaptation to new power dynamics. By allying with Hernán Cortés, the Tlaxcalans sought to overthrow a dominant adversary—the Aztecs—while also navigating their own survival strategies amidst colonization. This reflects a broader trend where indigenous peoples engaged with European powers not merely as victims but as active participants who leveraged alliances for strategic advantage, ultimately shaping the course of history in Mesoamerica.
Related terms
Hernán Cortés: A Spanish conquistador who led the expedition that resulted in the fall of the Aztec Empire and claimed large portions of Mexico for Spain.
Aztec Empire: A powerful Mesoamerican civilization that existed in central Mexico prior to the arrival of Spanish colonizers, known for its complex society and large urban centers.
Mesoamerican alliances: Strategic partnerships among various indigenous groups in Mesoamerica that were often formed to resist external threats or for mutual benefit in warfare.