Cortes and the Aztecs

Spanish Arrival An messenger told emperor Montezuma that pale-skins were on the coast Legend foretold of a god coming in this form Wondered if the visitors were gods Montezuma decided to treat them like gods He sent gifts to welcome them Cortes was not a god, he was a conquistador (conqueror)

Cortes Had been in Cuba since 1511 Owned land there Heard gold was in Mexico and wanted to find it 1518 he was asked by Cuba’s governor to set up a colony on the mainland He was also to look for gold and trade

Mainland Landing He landed on the Yucatan Peninsula Learned what he could from the Maya descendents Met a princess She became his translator She hated the Aztecs and told him of their wealth Cortes create Veracruz Claimed the land for Spain and the church

Worried Aztecs Montezuma kept sending presents Made the Spanish more eager to get to the capital The Aztecs welcomed them like gods Gave them gold, jewels, and the command of the empire Cortes was worried it was a trap He staged a take over and captured Montezuma

Battle for Control Montezuma became unpopular He was killed during a revolt Aztecs pushed out the Spanish They were hunted down and killed The Spanish left behind diseases that destroyed the Aztecs Cortes mounted an attack on the capital Aztecs fought hard but could match the weapons, horses, or armor

Aztec surrendered Spanish built a city over the Aztec capital Mexico City

Journal Why do you think the Spanish were able to defeat the war-like Aztecs?

Assignment Create a story board/comic strip Tell the story of Cortes conquering the Aztecs You must have at least 7 frames Pictures are necessary Words can be minimal I need to be able to tell the story from your pictures and the few words