FALL OF THE AZTEC EMPIRE

Led by Hernán Cortés, the Spanish landed on the Yucatan peninsula in 1519.

SPANISH ENCOUNTER THE AZTECS

Cortés was accompanied by less than 600 soldiers.

SPANISH ENCOUNTER THE AZTECS

Cortés allies himself with the Aztecs’ long-time enemy, the Tlaxcalans.

SPANISH ENCOUNTER THE AZTECS

On November 8, 1519, the Spanish and the Tlaxcalans (about 3,000) arrive at the gates of Tenochtitlan.

SPANISH ENCOUNTER THE AZTECS

o Moctezuma (the Aztec emperor) welcomes the visitors with gifts of gold.

Cortes Becomes Interested in the Aztec Empire

o Moctezuma is held hostage by the Spaniards who want Aztec gold and land.

Cortes Becomes Interested in the Aztec Empire

In May 1520, the massacre in the Main Temple consisted of the Spanish killing the Aztec upper class.

SPANISH CONQUEST

Moctezuma is killed shortly after. He is replaced by Cuauhtémoc.

SPANISH CONQUEST

The Spaniards fled the town on July 1, but returned with their Allies in 1521.

SPANISH CONQUEST

The battle ended on August 13 with the destruction of the Tenochtitlan.

Alliances are perhaps the major reason for Spanish victory.

SPANISH CONQUEST

The city is rebuilt by the Spanish and called Mexico City, the capital of New Spain.

SPANISH CONQUEST

Cuauhtémoc is eventually tortured and killed by the Spaniards.

SPANISH CONQUEST