Conquest, 1519–1521 (OCR GCSE History B (Schools History Project)): Revision Notes
The siege of Tenochtitlan and reasons for the Spanish victory
With few and exhausted Spanish troops, the Tlaxcalans decided to help the invaders. While many of his men wanted to go home to Cuba, Cortės was an outlaw and he would not return to Cuba defeated. With an additional ten thousand Tlaxcalan warriors and modular brigantines, Cortės returned to Tenochtitlan. After Christmas 1520, the conquistadors and Tlaxcalan allies besieged the city from every direction. For months, the Aztecs fought to the death and did not surrender. Two hundred conquistadors came along with new supplies.
In April 1521, the conquistadors and the Tlaxcalans besieged Tenochtitlan from every direction. After 93 days, Cortés subdued Tenochtitlan, the heart of the Aztec empire. It was recorded that the loss of lives and building were staggering. Compared to thousands of Aztec deaths, the Spanish lost around 100 soldiers.
1521 illustration of the siege of Tenochtitlan
Reasons for the Aztec Defeat
Spanish alliance with indigenous people.
Internal hatred and dissatisfaction among the cities of the empire became an advantage for Cortés. His alliances with the Tlaxcaltecs and Totonacs provided additional men, supplies, and familiarity with the territory.
Spread of Killer Disease
An epidemic of smallpox was brought to the New World and decimated the native population. The Spaniards were immune and did not die like the Aztecs.
European technology
Arquebuses, cannons, and gunpowder were obvious advantages compared to bows and spears of the Aztecs.
Lack of Aztec leader
The warlike leader Cuitlahuac was killed by disease, while Cuauhtémoc, the new
emperor was captured.
Exam Practise
Task 1: Source Interpretation
Critically read the source and make your own interpretation. In addition to written interpretation, draw what you can imagine from the statement.
"The walls of that shrine were so splashed and caked with blood that they and the floor too were black… the stench was worse than that of any slaughterhouse in Spain".
- Conquistador Bernal Diaz
Task 2: Source Analysis
Analyse the source and answer the questions which follow:
- Describe the relationship of Moctezuma II and the Spanish.
- Interpret the death of Moctezuma.
- How did this event contribute to the fall of the Aztecs.
Death of Moctezuma based on the Florentine Codex
Task 3: Essay
According to historians, the indigenous populations of the New World were profoundly diminished by European germ warfare. Given your understanding of the historical context, how did this happen? Compose a substantial essay on the relevance of this historical event in the modern era.