European Encounter
In 1519, a Spanish Conquistador named Hernan Cortes arrived in Tenochtitlan. The Aztecs thought these Europeans were their Gods and made friends with them. Eventually, the Europeans along with Aztec allies conquered the city of Tenochtitlan and created their own city which is present day Mexico City.
Cortes and his men were able to conquer the Aztecs for many reasons
Cortes and his men were able to conquer the Aztecs for many reasons
- Disease. The Europeans brought diseases they Aztecs had never been exposed to and many Aztec died.
- Weapons. The Europeans had advanced weapons the Aztecs could not compete with
- Rebellion. Many Aztec people did not like living under the rule of the leader Montezuma and decided to fight along side the Europeans
The Conquest of Mexico
The Library of Congress has an online interactive exhibition on the Conquest of Mexico. Click "Conquest of Mexico" to follow a link to learn more about the conquest and see paintings. Click "show details" to learn more about specific details in the paintings.
Video is from The History Channel
Images is from The US Library of Congress
Images is from The US Library of Congress