Dissatisfaction among Aztec subjects and Spanish alliances (OCR GCSE History B (Schools History Project)): Revision Notes
Dissatisfaction among Aztec subjects and Spanish alliances
On September 23, 1519, Cortés arrived in Tlaxcala and was well-received as they deemed enemies of the Aztecs their ally. Within 20 days of his stay, Cortés and his men were able to recover from their wounds and won the loyalty of Tlaxcala leaders. Some even said that he was able to convert four leaders into Christianity.
Depiction of Cortés accompanied by Tlaxcaltecs
While in Tlaxcala, Cortés was urged by Montezuma II to take the route of Cholula going to the capital city, but new Tlaxcaltec allies advised him that the Cholulans were traitors and an ambush might occur. After negotiations, Cortés decide to go to Cholula.
On October 12, the Spaniards were amazed by the grandeur of the city. The Tlaxcaltec warriors were not allowed to enter the city, but the Totonacs were free to roam around as they escorted the Spaniards.
After two days in Cholula, the natives refused to give the Spaniards food, while some local noblemen were reluctant to meet Cortés. Moreover, Malinche, the interpreter for Cortés received a report of treachery by native Cholulans.
The unarmed assembled crowd were hit by crossbows, steel swords, and arquebuses. Meanwhile, the shocked populace tried to escape but the Tlaxcaltec warriors, their natural enemy, attacked and killed all Cholulans they could. The city was sacked while survivors were held as slaves and for sacrifice.
Massacre at Cholula
On the morning the Spaniards were supposed to leave, Cortés called for the local noblemen and leaders to gather in a courtyard in front of the Temple of Quetzalcoatl. He delivered a speech recognising the act of treachery by Cholulans.
The nobles did not deny his accusations but pointed out that they were only following orders of Emperor Montezuma. As a result, Cortés punished them under Spain's law for treachery: death.
As a sacred city, Cholula had a very small army. They believed that their priests could use the power of Quetzalcoatl to save them against the invaders.
Exam Practise
Task 1: Essay
In 1493, the world was divided between Spain and Portugal using the Line of Demarcation. Write an essay relating this event to the motives Spain had for exploring the Caribbean and Central America.
Task 2: Questions
Given your knowledge of the historical context, answer the questions provided.
- What were Cortés' personal motives for exploring Mexico?
- Based on his accounts, how did he describe the Aztecs?
- In your opinion, describe the first encounter between the Aztecs and the conquistadors.
Task 3: Perspective
Historians suggest that one of the main reasons behind the defeat of the Aztecs was the alliances made between the Spanish and a number of indigenous groups. To what extent do you agree with this statement? Support your explanation with facts.