Conquest of the Aztec Empire

Apuntes

TOPIC 3: CONQUEST OF THE AZTEC EMPIRE Hernán Cortés and His Allies • Cortés: Spanish conqueror who arrived in Mexico in 1519. • Indigenous alliances: Joined with Tlaxcalans and other peoples oppressed by the Aztecs. • Malinche (Doña Marina): Key interpreter and advisor. Key Events 1. Cholula Massacre: Cortés attacks to instill fear. 2. Arrival in Tenochtitlán: Moctezuma II welcomes Cortés, believing him to be Quetzalcóatl. 3. Templo Mayor Massacre: Pedro de Alvarado attacks during a ceremony, sparking rebellion. 4. La Noche Triste (1520): Spaniards flee defeated. 5. Fall of Tenochtitlán (1521): o Spanish military siege. o Smallpox devastates indigenous population. o City is destroyed. TOPIC 4: CONQUEST OF THE INCA EMPIRE Inca Civil War • Death of Huayna Cápac: Dies from smallpox (brought by Spaniards). • Division of the empire: o Huáscar (Cuzco) – supported by traditional nobility. o Atahualpa (Quito) – supported by the northern army. Arrival of Pizarro (1532) • Francisco Pizarro arrives in Cajamarca, taking advantage of the civil war. • Capture of Atahualpa: o Spanish ambush with only 200 men. o Use of horses, armor, and firearms. o Inca confusion due to unfamiliar tactics. Ransom...