Hernan Cortes & The Aztecs

Hernan Cortes

Founded Veracruz, Mexico

Afterwards, he recruited thousands of the Aztecs’ enemies & headed for their capital.

Tenochtitlan

This was the Aztec capital in the interior of Mexico.

The Emperor was Moctezuma.

Aztecs

The Aztecs were also known as Mexica.

They had been expecting the arrival of the god Quetzalcoatl, who was to have hair of flames.

Moctezuma

Since Cortes had red hair & a powerful army, Moctezuma thought he was the god Quetzalcoatl.

Cortes Conquers Tenochtitlan

Cortes took Moctezuma hostage

He destroyed Tenochtitlan in 1521 with 400 Spanish soldiers & 150,000 natives

Mexico City

Cortes built Mexico City (D.F.) over the ruins of Tenochtitlan.

The Aztec (Mexica) civilization inspired the name for Mexico’s capital.

Decline of Aztec Civilization

Native populations declined because of the Spanish search for wealth.

“We came to serve God and to get rich, as all men wish to do.” Bernal Diaz del Castillo

Decline of Aztec Civilization

War & disease (smallpox) also caused a huge decline in the Aztec civilization