How Hernan Cortes conquer the huge Aztec city of Tenochtitlan

Sample Solution

  Hernan Cortes's conquest of Tenochtitlan was a remarkable feat, considering that he had only about 500 men at his disposal. There are a number of factors that contributed to his success, including:

• Surprise and deception. Cortes and his men landed in Mexico in 1519, and they were initially welcomed by the Aztec emperor, Moctezuma II. Cortes took advantage of this goodwill by pretending to be a messenger from the Spanish king. He also spread rumors that the Spanish were invincible, and that they had magical powers.

Full Answer Section

 

• Alliances with local tribes. Cortes was able to forge alliances with several local tribes, including the Tlaxcalans. These tribes were enemies of the Aztecs, and they provided Cortes with soldiers, supplies, and intelligence.
• Superior technology. The Spanish had a number of technological advantages over the Aztecs, including guns, cannons, and horses. These weapons gave the Spanish a significant edge in battle.
• Disease. The Spanish also brought diseases with them to Mexico, which killed many Aztecs. This further weakened the Aztecs and made it easier for the Spanish to conquer them.

The siege of Tenochtitlan lasted for 93 days, and it was a bloody and destructive conflict. In the end, the Spanish were victorious, and they destroyed the Aztec empire. Cortes's conquest of Tenochtitlan was a major turning point in the history of the Americas, and it paved the way for the Spanish colonization of Mexico. In addition to the factors mentioned above, there are a few other things that contributed to Cortes's success. For example, he was a skilled diplomat and politician, and he was able to manipulate the Aztecs and their allies to his advantage. He was also a charismatic leader, and he was able to inspire his men to fight for him. Cortes's conquest of Tenochtitlan was a remarkable achievement, and it is still studied by historians today. It is a reminder of the power of deception, alliances, technology, and disease, and it shows how a small group of men can conquer a much larger and more powerful enemy. Here are some additional details about each of the factors that contributed to Cortes's success:

• Surprise and deception. Cortes's initial landing in Mexico was a surprise to the Aztecs. They were not expecting an attack from the Spanish, and they were initially taken aback by the sight of the Spanish ships and weapons. Cortes was also able to deceive the Aztecs by pretending to be a messenger from the Spanish king. This gave him time to gain their trust and to build up his forces.
• Alliances with local tribes. Cortes was able to forge alliances with several local tribes, including the Tlaxcalans. These tribes were enemies of the Aztecs, and they provided Cortes with soldiers, supplies, and intelligence. The Tlaxcalans were particularly important to Cortes's success, as they provided him with a large number of warriors.
• Superior technology. The Spanish had a number of technological advantages over the Aztecs, including guns, cannons, and horses. These weapons gave the Spanish a significant edge in battle. The guns and cannons were particularly effective against the Aztecs, as they were not used to fighting against such powerful weapons. The horses also gave the Spanish an advantage, as they were able to move quickly and easily through the Aztecs' city.
• Disease. The Spanish also brought diseases with them to Mexico, which killed many Aztecs. This further weakened the Aztecs and made it easier for the Spanish to conquer them. The most devastating disease was smallpox, which killed an estimated 80% of the Aztec population.

The siege of Tenochtitlan was a bloody and destructive conflict. In the end, the Spanish were victorious, and they destroyed the Aztec empire. Cortes's conquest of Tenochtitlan was a major turning point in the history of the Americas, and it paved the way for the Spanish colonization of Mexico.