Spanish ArrivalSpanish Arrival

Hernan CortesHernan Cortes

Siege of TenochtitlanSiege of Tenochtitlan

End of Aztec EmpireEnd of Aztec Empire

Hernan CortezHernan Cortez Cortez was born in 1485 in Medellin, Extremadura. Cortez was born in 1485 in Medellin, Extremadura.

His parents were of small Spanish nobility. In 1499, His parents were of small Spanish nobility. In 1499, when Cortez was 14 he attended the University of when Cortez was 14 he attended the University of Salamanca, at this university he studied law. Two Salamanca, at this university he studied law. Two years later in 1501 he gave up on his education years later in 1501 he gave up on his education and started to drift around.and started to drift around.

Hernán Cortés left Spain at the age of nineteen Hernán Cortés left Spain at the age of nineteen after fortuitous escape from a jealous husband.after fortuitous escape from a jealous husband.

In 1504 he set sail for what is now the Dominican In 1504 he set sail for what is now the Dominican Republic to try his luck in the New World.Republic to try his luck in the New World. In 1511, In 1511, when he was 18, he joined an army under the when he was 18, he joined an army under the command of Spanish soldier named Diego command of Spanish soldier named Diego Velázquez and played a part the conquest of Cuba. Velázquez and played a part the conquest of Cuba. Velázquez became the governor of Cuba, and Velázquez became the governor of Cuba, and Cortez was elected Mayor-Judge of Santiago.Cortez was elected Mayor-Judge of Santiago.

Hernan Cortez 1485-1587Hernan Cortez 1485-1587

Hernan CortesHernan Cortes

Later he impressed Governor Diego Later he impressed Governor Diego Velásquez and served as his clerk during Velásquez and served as his clerk during the expedition to conquer and settle Cuba the expedition to conquer and settle Cuba in 1511. in 1511.

Cortés' past performance made him the Cortés' past performance made him the perfect candidate for the Governor's third perfect candidate for the Governor's third expedition to the main land. expedition to the main land.

http://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/eurvoya/aztec.html

Spanish ExpeditionSpanish Expedition

http://www.pbs.org/kpbs/theborder/images/1519cortezarrival.jpg

Journey of CortezJourney of Cortez

http://ntap.k12.ca.us/whs/projects/history/cortez.html

Cortes Con’dCortes Con’d

But Cortés' ambition and personal But Cortés' ambition and personal magnetism made Velásquez suspect magnetism made Velásquez suspect his loyalty. Velásquez planned on his loyalty. Velásquez planned on removing him as the leader of the removing him as the leader of the expedition. expedition.

Cortés discovered this and cut short Cortés discovered this and cut short his preparations and set sail for the his preparations and set sail for the mainland on February 18, 1519. mainland on February 18, 1519.

Cortez leaves for MexicoCortez leaves for Mexico

He left with a force of 600 men, and less than 20 He left with a force of 600 men, and less than 20 horses and set sail for Mexico. He sailed up the horses and set sail for Mexico. He sailed up the coast of the Yucatán. In March 1519, Cortez coast of the Yucatán. In March 1519, Cortez landed in Mexico, and suppressed the town of landed in Mexico, and suppressed the town of Tabasco. Tabasco.

This was where Cortez met his soon to be This was where Cortez met his soon to be mistress Malinche. She became a guide and mistress Malinche. She became a guide and interpreter. interpreter.

After finding a better harbor north of San Juan, After finding a better harbor north of San Juan, Cortez and his small force sailed there and Cortez and his small force sailed there and established a town, La Villa Rica de la Vera Cruz. established a town, La Villa Rica de la Vera Cruz. To prevent any thought of retreat he burned his To prevent any thought of retreat he burned his ships. ships.

MalincheMalinche

"La Malinche." Slave, interpreter, "La Malinche." Slave, interpreter, secretary, mistress, mother of the secretary, mistress, mother of the first "Mexican." first "Mexican."

Many Mexicans continue to revile the Many Mexicans continue to revile the woman called Doña Marina by the woman called Doña Marina by the Spaniards and La Malinche by the Spaniards and La Malinche by the Aztecs, labeling her a traitor and Aztecs, labeling her a traitor and harlot for her role as the mistress of harlot for her role as the mistress of Cortes as he conquered Mexico.Cortes as he conquered Mexico.

http://www.mexconnect.com/mex_/history/malinche.html

Malinche, con’dMalinche, con’d

However, she saved thousands of However, she saved thousands of Indian lives by enabling Cortes to Indian lives by enabling Cortes to negotiate rather than slaughter. negotiate rather than slaughter.

Herself a convert, she was baptized Herself a convert, she was baptized Marina. Marina.

She bore Cortes a son, Don Mahin She bore Cortes a son, Don Mahin Cortes Cortes

Cortes and La Malinche with Cortes and La Malinche with Tlaxcalan leaderTlaxcalan leader

from mural byDesiderio Hernández Xochitiotzin Palacio de Gobierno, Tlaxcala

http://thedagger.com/archive/conquest/malinche.html

Malinche translating for Cortes:Malinche translating for Cortes:from Sahagun codexfrom Sahagun codex

http://www.historians.org/tl/LessonPlans/ca/Fitch/bgmalinche.htm

ConquistadorsConquistadors

Bernal Diaz del CastilloBernal Diaz del Castillo One of Cortes’ conquistadors.One of Cortes’ conquistadors. Born 1492 (Spain).Born 1492 (Spain). Account written in 1555, many years after the Account written in 1555, many years after the

conquest.conquest. Left Spain in 1514 where he went to Cuba Left Spain in 1514 where he went to Cuba

where a relation was governor.where a relation was governor. did nothing much there.did nothing much there. joined Hernandez de Cordova and went to joined Hernandez de Cordova and went to

Florida where they received a hostel reception.Florida where they received a hostel reception. Back to Cuba where he eventually joined Back to Cuba where he eventually joined

Cortes in 1519 where they set sail from Port Cortes in 1519 where they set sail from Port of Trinidad to Veracruz.of Trinidad to Veracruz.

Monument to del CastilloMonument to del Castillo

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernal_D%C3%ADaz_del_Castillo

Spanish ArrivalSpanish Arrival

The first city the Spanish saw was Cempoala on The first city the Spanish saw was Cempoala on the Veracruz coastal plain.the Veracruz coastal plain.

Received by the Totonac ruler.Received by the Totonac ruler. city with five pyramids and a round temple city with five pyramids and a round temple

dedicated to Quetzalcoatl.dedicated to Quetzalcoatl. walled and raised above ground level for defense walled and raised above ground level for defense

and floods.and floods. Impressed by the pottery and architecture of Impressed by the pottery and architecture of

these “savages”.these “savages”.

Travel InlandTravel Inland

Traveled above the coastal plain and Traveled above the coastal plain and through the volcanoes-Popcatpetl through the volcanoes-Popcatpetl and Iztaccihuatl.and Iztaccihuatl.Beneath them was the Basin of Beneath them was the Basin of

Mexico.Mexico.7700 sq km, with forested mts surrounding it.7700 sq km, with forested mts surrounding it.center was a chain of five lakes.center was a chain of five lakes.

They saw the inland city of They saw the inland city of Tenochtitlan from there.Tenochtitlan from there.

Travel to TenochtitlanTravel to Tenochtitlan

Forced their way inland to Basin of Mexico Forced their way inland to Basin of Mexico where they met with little resistance until where they met with little resistance until Tlaxcala.Tlaxcala. Castillo was wounded on the head and thigh Castillo was wounded on the head and thigh

and eventually Cortes made peace and formed and eventually Cortes made peace and formed an alliance with the inhabitants.an alliance with the inhabitants.

Continued their march where they Continued their march where they massacred people at Itzcalpan, massacred people at Itzcalpan, Tlamanalco, and Itztapalatengo.Tlamanalco, and Itztapalatengo.

Aztec Account Aztec Account

Omens portending the arrival of the SpanishOmens portending the arrival of the Spanish A flaming ear of corn that appeared across the sky.A flaming ear of corn that appeared across the sky. The temple of Huitzilopochtli burst into flames.The temple of Huitzilopochtli burst into flames. The temple of Xiuhtecuhtli (Fire God).The temple of Xiuhtecuhtli (Fire God). Fire streamed through the sky while the sun was Fire streamed through the sky while the sun was

still shining.still shining. Wind lashed the water until it boiled.Wind lashed the water until it boiled. Weeping woman heard at night in city.Weeping woman heard at night in city. Strange creature captured in the nets (bird like a Strange creature captured in the nets (bird like a

crane with a mirror on its head).crane with a mirror on its head). Deformed men appeared in the city.Deformed men appeared in the city.

Temple of Huitzilopochtli in Temple of Huitzilopochtli in flames:flames:

from Sahagunfrom Sahagun

http://www.historians.org/tl/LessonPlans/ca/Fitch/aztec1.html

What are the first reports of the What are the first reports of the Spanish?Spanish?

Seers could not give satisfactory answer of Seers could not give satisfactory answer of omens, but a common man came and said that omens, but a common man came and said that towers were floating on the see and people were towers were floating on the see and people were crossing the mts. with light skin and short hair.crossing the mts. with light skin and short hair.

Motecuhzuma sent messengers and gifts to these Motecuhzuma sent messengers and gifts to these strangers-thought they may be Quetzalcoatl and strangers-thought they may be Quetzalcoatl and other gods.other gods.

Motecuhzuma had magicians come from other Motecuhzuma had magicians come from other cities and questioned them about the omens-but cities and questioned them about the omens-but they did not know what they meant. So had them they did not know what they meant. So had them put in prison and their wives and children killed.put in prison and their wives and children killed.

First ContactFirst Contact

Spies were sent to report when the Spanish Spies were sent to report when the Spanish arrived on shore.arrived on shore.

Motecuhzuma summoned his chiefs and had Motecuhzuma summoned his chiefs and had them look at the gifts and told them the them look at the gifts and told them the news.news.

Still thought the new arrival was Still thought the new arrival was Quetzalcoatl.Quetzalcoatl.

Gifts included a serpent mask inlaid with Gifts included a serpent mask inlaid with turquoise, a decoration made of quetzal turquoise, a decoration made of quetzal feathers, a collar woven with a gold disk in feathers, a collar woven with a gold disk in the center, a shield decorated with gold and the center, a shield decorated with gold and mother of pearl.mother of pearl.

Moctezuma gets news of people Moctezuma gets news of people on the coast: from Sahagunon the coast: from Sahagun

http://www.historians.org/tl/LessonPlans/ca/Fitch/aztec2.htm

MessengersMessengers Messengers went in canoes to meet them and Messengers went in canoes to meet them and

were received on the Spanish ships.were received on the Spanish ships. Gave them the finery and dressed him as the Gave them the finery and dressed him as the

gods.gods. Cortes had the messengers chained by the feet Cortes had the messengers chained by the feet

and neck and fired the cannon so that the people and neck and fired the cannon so that the people fainted with fear. After reviving them he fainted with fear. After reviving them he suggested a battle to see how brave the Aztec suggested a battle to see how brave the Aztec warriors were.warriors were.

The messengers fled and returned to The messengers fled and returned to Motecuhzuma where they met him in the temple. Motecuhzuma where they met him in the temple. Two captives were sacrificed in honor of the Two captives were sacrificed in honor of the difficult mission.difficult mission.

They told them of the Spanish, what they ate, They told them of the Spanish, what they ate, how they dressed, the cannons, their deer how they dressed, the cannons, their deer (horses), their dogs.(horses), their dogs.

Spanish terrifying Messengers: Spanish terrifying Messengers: from Sahagun codexfrom Sahagun codex

http://www.historians.org/tl/LessonPlans/ca/Fitch/aztec3.html

Spanish go to TenochtitlanSpanish go to Tenochtitlan

http://www.historians.org/tl/LessonPlans/ca/Fitch/CORTES15.htm

The meeting of Moctezuma and The meeting of Moctezuma and CortesCortes

Moctezuma met Cortes in all his Moctezuma met Cortes in all his finery. He addresses them as they finery. He addresses them as they are his lords and offers them up all of are his lords and offers them up all of the city.the city.

The Spaniards enter the royal house, The Spaniards enter the royal house, put Moctezuma under guard, and put Moctezuma under guard, and seized all of his treasure.seized all of his treasure.

Cortes meets Montezuma IICortes meets Montezuma II

http://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/eurvoya/aztec.html

Spanish Take-OverSpanish Take-Over

Moctezuma was kept a virtual prisoner in his Moctezuma was kept a virtual prisoner in his palace by the Spanish and gave up the lords palace by the Spanish and gave up the lords of the cities who had resisted the Spanish.of the cities who had resisted the Spanish.

Many native chieftains were burned to death.Many native chieftains were burned to death. Finally swore fealty to King of SpainFinally swore fealty to King of Spain Provided the Spanish with seven hundred Provided the Spanish with seven hundred

thousand dollars in gold, as well as cloth and thousand dollars in gold, as well as cloth and women.women.

Suspicion from CubaSuspicion from Cuba

Governor of Cuba-Valasquez sent Governor of Cuba-Valasquez sent troops to see what was going on, troops to see what was going on, because Cortes was keeping all because Cortes was keeping all the riches to himself.the riches to himself.

Cortes left for the coast and fought Cortes left for the coast and fought with troops, but won them over with with troops, but won them over with gold.gold.

Fiesta of HuitzilopochtliFiesta of Huitzilopochtli Meanwhile, while Cortes was away, the Aztecs Meanwhile, while Cortes was away, the Aztecs

prepared for the feast and at the height of the prepared for the feast and at the height of the dancing, the remaining Spaniards attack.dancing, the remaining Spaniards attack.

The Spaniards were seized with “an urge to kill The Spaniards were seized with “an urge to kill the celebrants”.the celebrants”.

The Aztecs responded by attacking the Spaniards The Aztecs responded by attacking the Spaniards who in turn shackle Motecuhzoma and keep him who in turn shackle Motecuhzoma and keep him captive. The Aztecs then lay siege to the palace. captive. The Aztecs then lay siege to the palace.

Spaniards were forced from the city and fled in Spaniards were forced from the city and fled in their retreat.their retreat.

The Aztecs raided goods from the dead Spanish The Aztecs raided goods from the dead Spanish and began to celebrate their fiestas again.and began to celebrate their fiestas again.

http://www.pbs.org/kpbs/theborder/images/1519hernan-cortez-battle.jpg

Death of MoctezumaDeath of Moctezuma

Moctezuma went to the roof tops to Moctezuma went to the roof tops to get admonish his people for get admonish his people for retaliating. retaliating.

It is said that a commoner killed him It is said that a commoner killed him with a stone from the sling, but the with a stone from the sling, but the palace people said the Spaniards put palace people said the Spaniards put him to death before they fled.him to death before they fled.

CuitlahuacCuitlahuac

Moctezuma was succeeded as emperor by Moctezuma was succeeded as emperor by Cuitlahuac. Cuitlahuac.

Moctezuma had been intimidated by Cortés Moctezuma had been intimidated by Cortés because he believed the Spaniards were because he believed the Spaniards were representatives of the bearded, fair- skinned representatives of the bearded, fair- skinned god Quetzalcoatl. Cuitlahuac never believed god Quetzalcoatl. Cuitlahuac never believed the legend and set out to organize a the legend and set out to organize a determined resistance to the determined resistance to the conquistadores. conquistadores.

Though he only ruled four months before Though he only ruled four months before succumbing to smallpox, he managed to succumbing to smallpox, he managed to drive the Spanish from the city.drive the Spanish from the city.

CuahtemocCuahtemoc

Cuauhtemoc was nephew to Moctezuma Cuauhtemoc was nephew to Moctezuma and Cuitlahuac. and Cuitlahuac.

He was also Moctezuma's son-in-law He was also Moctezuma's son-in-law because Cuauhtemoc married Moctezumabecause Cuauhtemoc married Moctezumas daughter Tecuichpo. s daughter Tecuichpo.

He was then tortured by Cortes to tell He was then tortured by Cortes to tell where there was more gold, but he never where there was more gold, but he never told.told.

In 1525, while with Cortes in Honduras, In 1525, while with Cortes in Honduras, Cortes learned that Cuahtemoc was Cortes learned that Cuahtemoc was leading a plot to overthrow him and he leading a plot to overthrow him and he was then hanged for treason.was then hanged for treason.

CuahtemocCuahtemoc

http://www.freewebs.com/tecpaocelotl/cuauhtemoc.htm

Siege of TenochtitlanSiege of Tenochtitlan

They fled to Tlaxcala where they were They fled to Tlaxcala where they were fortified by reinforcements from Cuba as fortified by reinforcements from Cuba as well as Natives.well as Natives.

Attacked Tenochtitlan and Cuauhtemoc Attacked Tenochtitlan and Cuauhtemoc who was ruler after Motecuhzoma died in who was ruler after Motecuhzoma died in 1520.1520.

The siege began on May 21, 1521 and The siege began on May 21, 1521 and lasted for 85 days.lasted for 85 days.

Finally ended when the Spanish captured Finally ended when the Spanish captured the northeast section of the city and the northeast section of the city and eventually conquered the remaining eventually conquered the remaining Aztecs.Aztecs.

Siege of TenochtitlanSiege of Tenochtitlan There was a plague of small pox in the There was a plague of small pox in the

city.city. The Spanish besieged them with ships in The Spanish besieged them with ships in

the lake, which Cortes had dismantled and the lake, which Cortes had dismantled and brought overland to Tenochtitlan.brought overland to Tenochtitlan.

The Aztecs defend themselves by running The Aztecs defend themselves by running in zigzags to avoid the gunfire, or laid flat in zigzags to avoid the gunfire, or laid flat to avoid a cannon shot, and took cover in to avoid a cannon shot, and took cover in houses.houses.

The Spaniards finally pushed to the center The Spaniards finally pushed to the center of the city but were held back by a last of the city but were held back by a last stand of the Aztecs.stand of the Aztecs.

Siege of the citySiege of the city

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_Tenochtitlan

SurrenderSurrender Cuahtemoc lead a successful defense Cuahtemoc lead a successful defense

against the Spanish, but the Spanish siezed against the Spanish, but the Spanish siezed the market and the Aztec were soon the market and the Aztec were soon starving.starving.

Cuauhtemoc was put in a war canoe and the Cuauhtemoc was put in a war canoe and the people cried “he is going to surrender to the people cried “he is going to surrender to the gods”. The Spaniards then set off their gods”. The Spaniards then set off their canons in celebration.canons in celebration.

Refugees were searched for gold and gold Refugees were searched for gold and gold was demanded of the King in tribute. Of the was demanded of the King in tribute. Of the 300,000 warriors in the city only 60,000 300,000 warriors in the city only 60,000 were left.were left.

Cortes’ Appointment to Cortes’ Appointment to governorship of Mexicogovernorship of Mexico

Because of his conquests and all the gold Because of his conquests and all the gold and jewels he had collected, Cortés was and jewels he had collected, Cortés was very popular back home in Spain. very popular back home in Spain.

King Charles I of Spain, who had become King Charles I of Spain, who had become Holy Roman Emperor Charles V in 1519, Holy Roman Emperor Charles V in 1519, appointed Cortés governor and captain appointed Cortés governor and captain general of the newly conquered territory. general of the newly conquered territory.

Cortés received the title Marques del Valle Cortés received the title Marques del Valle de Oaxaca (Marquis of the Oaxaca de Oaxaca (Marquis of the Oaxaca Valley)in 1528.Valley)in 1528.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hern%C3%A1n_Cort%C3%A9s#Appointment_to_governorship_of_Mexico

Cortés initiates the construction Cortés initiates the construction of Mexico Cityof Mexico City

Cortés began the construction of Mexico Cortés began the construction of Mexico City on the Aztec ruins and brought many City on the Aztec ruins and brought many Spaniards over to live there. Spaniards over to live there.

It soon became the most important It soon became the most important European city in North America. European city in North America.

He managed the founding of new cities and He managed the founding of new cities and appointed men to extend Spanish rule to all appointed men to extend Spanish rule to all of Mexico, which was renamed New Spain. of Mexico, which was renamed New Spain.

Cortés also supported efforts to convert Cortés also supported efforts to convert Indians to Christianity and sponsored new Indians to Christianity and sponsored new explorations.explorations.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hern%C3%A1n_Cort%C3%A9s#Appointment_to_governorship_of_Mexico