Download Hernan Cortes

Directions: Read the following paragraphs. Answer the questions that are in bold font. MAKE
SURE TO ANSWER IN FULL SENTENCES! This will count as a home work and class work
grade so make sure it is complete.
The Defeat of the Aztecs
The Spanish conquest of the Aztecs in 1521, led by Hernando Cortes, was a landmark victory for
the European settlers. Following the Spanish arrival in Mexico, a huge battle erupted between the
army of Cortes and the Aztec people under the rule of Montezuma. The events that occurred
were crucial to the development of the American lands and have been the subject of much
historical debate in present years.
Upon arrival in North America, Hernando Cortes founded the colony of New Spain in Mexico.
On November 8, 1519, he challenged the native forces and entered Tenochtitlan, taking the
Aztec leader, Montezuma, hostage. This event led to an Aztec uprising that culminated in La
Noche Triste. The Aztecs drove the Spaniards out of Tenochtitlan in July of 1520. Men from
both sides, as well as many Aztec treasures, were lost as a bridge collapsed during the desperate
flight of the Spaniards. Nevertheless, Cortes survived, and led the final attacks on Tenochtitlan.
Throughout the warfare, the Spaniards were aided by the gruesome advantage of disease, for the
Europeans brought ailments that the Aztecs had no immunity to. It is estimated that threequarters of the native population died of violence or diseases like small pox and measles in just
the first century of the conquest. Finally, the Aztec capital fell on August 13, 1521. After
capturing Tenochtitlan, the Spaniards destroyed the city, and built Mexico City on top of it. Just
as Tenochtitlan was destroyed, most of the Aztec civilization was destroyed with the European
Conquest.
1. Why would the Spanish want to take the Aztec leader
Montezuma?
2. What city did Tenochtitlan eventual become?
3. How did most of the Aztec people die?
4. As a result of the war, what happened to Aztec culture?
Aside from this negative aspect of the European discovery of the New World, the Spaniards had
some positive effects on the native population. They introduced domestic animals like horses,
sheep, cattle, and pigs to the American Continent. Furthermore, they brought sugar, and different
kinds of grains and fruits with them. The discovery of the New World also had a significant
impact on the European diet, as the Spaniards brought important products like potatoes,
tomatoes, beans and maize back to Europe.
Despite these benefits, the Spanish defeat of the Aztecs has been criticized extensively for many
years. It is the center of a huge historical debate focusing on the role of the conquerors. The
Spaniards were harsh in their methods and motives, and many people argue that it was not their
place at all to encounter new lands and demand control, much less force submission so cruelly.
Moreover, virtually all of Aztec culture was carelessly destroyed in the conquest. Nevertheless,
the Spaniards did conquer the Aztecs, and whether Western civilization is richer or poorer, this
victory has had lasting effects for both native and European people.
5. What were some positives that came out of Spanish conquest?
6. Do you think the Spanish should be criticized for their conquest of the Aztecs?
Explain in 4 sentences.
Hernando Cortes
Cortes was born in Spain to a noble but poor family. In 1504, at the age of 19, he sailed to the
Americas to seek his fortune. Although he became a wealthy landowner in Cuba, he was not
satisfied, “I have come to win gold,” he said, “not to plow the fields like a peasant.” His great
chance came when he was picked to lead the expedition to Mexico. Strong-willed and cruel,
Cortes succeeded against great odds.
Montezuma
Montezuma, ruler of the Aztec Empire, rose to the throne in 1502. Extremely wise, his words
carried weight with his subjects. According to Juan de Tovar, a Jesuit, “When he spoke, he drew
the sympathy of others by his subtle phrases and by his profound reasoning.” Montezuma lived
in great luxury, receiving official and commoners alike at his palace. His subjects treated him
almost as a god and were not allowed to look at him. His rule was effective because he was
feared instead of loved. Brutal at
times, he was said to be a just and
effective ruler.
7. Compare and contrast the two figures of Cortes and Montezuma.
8. “His rule was effective because he was feared instead of loved.” Why is it better to
be feared as a ruler instead of loved?
Aztec Poet
“Broken spears lie in the roads; we have torn our hair in our grief. The houses are roofless now,
and their walls are red with blood… we have pounded our hands in despair against the adobe
walls, for our inheritance, our city, is lost and dead.”
Aztec Poet, Seeds of Change
9. How does this excerpt from Seeds of Change portray the period of time when the
Aztecs were conquered?
This Aztec mask represents Quetzalcoatl, the god that Montezuma feared had sent Hernando
Cortes.
10. Why would the Aztecs think that Cortes was a god?
11. What specific materials or attributes did Cortes possess that would make him seem
like a god?