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Aztec and Cortes
SS6H1 The student will describe the impact of
European contact on Latin America
a. Describe the encounter and consequences of the
conflict between the Spanish and the Aztecs and Incas
and the role of Cortes, Montezuma, Pizarro, and
Atahualpa
Aztec
• Most powerful
civilization in central
and southern Mexico
at the time of
European exploration.
• The Aztec capital was
Tenochtitlan, which is
now present day
Mexico City.
AZTEC
• Aztecs were known for
their artwork and
architecture.
• Tenochtitlan was very
beautiful and constructed
on islands in a large lake
• Pyramid temples were at
the center of the city.
AZTEC
• Important part of Aztec culture
was the sacrifice of animals
and humans.
• People conquered by the
Aztec paid large taxes and
provided the people for the
sacrifices.
AZTEC
• Aztec society was very complex
• Two different calendar systems were used
to organize the empire as well as
mathematical systems.
AZTEC
• Agriculture was a huge factor in their
power. They developed irrigation for
farming in order to sustain a large empire
with food.
AZTEC
• The empire ended in
1521 when it was
conquered by the
Spanish.
• The Spanish destroyed
much of the art and
architecture of the Aztec.
• The Spanish built Mexico
City on the spot of
Tenochtitlan.
AZTEC
• Some of the Aztec
culture is being
discovered today
through archaeology.
• Buildings and art are
being found and a
version of the Aztec
language, Nahuatl, is
still spoken in Mexico
today
AZTEC
Montezuma II and Hernan Cortes
Montezuma II
• Montezuma II was the
Aztec ruler from about
1500 to 1520.
• He was the leader of
the Aztecs when they
were invaded by the
Spanish
conquistadors.
• Conquistador is
Spanish for
conqueror.
Montezuma II
• Montezuma was unpopular with neighboring people
because he took control of some of their lands, made
them pay high taxes, and required them to send him
people for the human sacrifices.
• The Aztecs, however, considered Montezuma II a great
ruler
Montezuma II
• Montezuma II was
alerted when the
Spanish
conquistadors came
and allowed them to
enter the city.
• He gave them gifts of
gold hoping that they
would take the gifts
and leave
Montezuma II
• Unfortunately, Cortes took Montezuma II hostage and
held him prisoner in his own palace
• In 1520, a huge battle broke out between the Spanish
and the Aztec and Montezuma was killed
Hernan Cortes
• Spanish conquistador
who fought and
conquered the Aztec
from 1519-1521
• Born in Spain in 1485
• Heard stories about
Columbus and the
riches of the New
World when he was
young
Cortes
• Sailed to the New World at 19 and worked in the
Spanish colonies
• He was assigned the task of conquering the
Aztecs in 1518.
• He took several ships loaded with men and
supplies
• In order to ensure success, he had the ships
burned when he got to Mexico so that no one
could try to go back.
FAILURE was not an option!!!
Cortes
• Cortes made friends
with the enemies of
the Aztecs so he
could increase his
army.
• He was welcomed by
Montezuma II and
immediately took the
Aztec ruler hostage.
CORTES
• A fight started between the Aztec and Cortes’
men while he was away.
• He had to come back to battle and win back
Tenochtitlan.
• In 1521, Cortes sent more settlers and troops to
the area
• They tore down buildings and destroyed the
beautiful Aztec capital.
• In its place, they built Mexico City
• For the next 300 years, the Spanish ruled the
area of Mexico