Download 000A - Patrick Minges

Name _____________________________ Class _________________ Date __________________
History and Geography
The Americas
The Aztec Triple Alliance
A group of Native Americans called the Mexica founded the Aztec
Empire. They migrated to the Valley of Mexico in the mid-1200s. In 1325,
they built the city of Tenochtitlán on a swampy island near the western
shore of Lake Texcoco.
The Aztecs grew in number, strength, and organization. In the 1420s,
Tenochtitlán joined forces with two nearby city-states, Texcoco and
Tlacopan. This Triple Alliance ruled much of modern-day central and
southern Mexico. Tenochtitlán became the alliance’s main member.
Conquered states and ethnic groups in the empire were forced to give
tribute (payment as a sign of submission) to the Triple Alliance. Tribute
was divided as follows: Two-fifths went to Tenochtitlán, two-fifths went to
Texcoco, and one-fifth went to Tlacopan.
In 1519, Spanish explorer Hernán Cortés arrived in eastern Mexico. He
formed an alliance with an enemy of the Aztec, the Tlaxcalans. In
Tlaxcala, Cortés raised an army of native people. They attacked
Tenochtitlán, which surrendered in August 1521. The Aztec Empire and
the Triple Alliance had come to an end.
Original content Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. Additions and changes to the original content are the responsibility of the instructor.
Full Survey Chapter 7
14
The Americas
Name _____________________________ Class _________________ Date __________________
History and Geography
The Americas
MAP ACTIVITY
1. With a highlighter or pen, underline the three city-states that formed the Aztec Triple
Alliance.
2. Based on information from the passage, number the three city-states of the Triple
Alliance in order from most powerful to least powerful.
3. Draw an arrow from the city in which Cortés raised an army, through Cholula to
Tenochtitlán.
ANALYZING MAPS
4. Place Which Triple Alliance city-state was built on an island?
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5. Location Which Triple Alliance city-state was located west of Lake Texcoco?
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6. Location Which Triple Alliance city-state was located east of Lake Texcoco?
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7. Region In which part of Mexico was the Valley of Mexico?
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8. Interpret The annual tribute paid by a town in the Aztec Empire might have included
4,000 mantles (loose, sleeveless cloaks) and loincloths (garments that wrap around
the hips). Based on the map and passage, which member of the Triple Alliance would
have received the fewest of these items? Of the 4,000 mantles and loincloths, how
many would Tenochtitlán, Texcoco, and Tlacopan each have received?
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EXTENSION ACTIVITY
Create a time line of events in the rise and fall of the Aztec Empire, as
described in the passage. Include events associated with the following
dates: mid-1200s, 1325, 1420s, 1519, and 1521. Draw your time line on a
separate piece of paper.
Original content Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. Additions and changes to the original content are the responsibility of the instructor.
Full Survey Chapter 7
15
The Americas