1. Chapter 10: Cortes and the Aztecs
Worldview Inquiry: How might differences in worldview contribute to the dominance of one culture over another?

2. Cortes the Conquistador
Lead Spanish troops to Moctezuma and the Aztecs
Believed the Inquisition made Spain a better place to live, as it was united under one religion
Adventurous & Ambitious
At 19, he followed Columbus’ lead and left Spain to set sail for gold in the “New World” – Carribean
Why would gold be important?
Cortes the Conquistador

3. Cortes: Exploring Sources
1. “He was a source of trouble for his parents as well as himself, for he was restless, haughty, mischievous, and given to quarrelling, for which reason he decided to seek his fortune.” - History of the Conquest of Mexico 2. When Cortes went to the Carribean, the governor gave him a large farm. Cortes responded by saying, “But I came to get gold, not to till land like a peasant.”
Cortes: Exploring Sources

4. Discussion on Sources: Partner Activity
Looking at “1”, what do you think Cortes’ attitude was toward authority?
Looking at “2”, what does Cortes’ comment say reveal about his worldview? What category of your Worldview Chart might the comment fit under? Why?
Geography
Knowledge
Economy
Worldview
Time
Values
Beliefs
Discussion on Sources: Partner Activity

5. Conquistadors’ Formula
Using page 218 of your textbook, complete the formula Cortes would use to conquer leaders and land. An
After landing in a new region, the Spanish would try to meet peacefully with the first people they met. Their aim was to discover which group in the area had the most power.
The Spanish would invite the leader of that powerful group to a meeting to exchange gifts. Then the Spanish would take the leader and threaten to kill him unless the followers obeyed their orders.
If they did have to fight,
The leader of the expedition would remain as governor of the new colony and
Conquistadors’ Formula

6. Give two reasons to support your prediction
Using the notes that we have covered thus far, and page 219 of your text, predict whether Cortes will be a Hero or a Villain.
Give two reasons to support your prediction
Cortes – Good or Bad?

7. Cortes: Cause and Effect
Major Results
____________________
Left Homeland
Cortes: Cause and Effect

8. Thanks to the defeat of the Muslims and the Inquisition, Spain was united politically and religiously. It was at this time that Cortes grew up in Spain.
Cortes was driven by the desire for wealth (gold) and glory.
He initially settled in Hispaniola (Carribean), but was ambitious and eventually ventured to mainland America to seek his fortune.
He established the colony of La Villa Rica de la Veracruz declared an independent government so that he only had to report to the king of Spain not Velazquez(who was the governor of Hispaniola).
Spanish Strategy

9. An Unequal Fight: Technology
The Spanish had superior weapons such as swords, halberds, crossbows, and muskets.
The Spanish also had horses, which the Aztecs did not have.
An Unequal Fight: Technology

10. An Unequal Fight: Disease
The Aztecs had to contend with diseases that were brought over by the Spanish.
The Aztecs had no immunity, unlike the Spanish.
Small Pox and measles killed over 25% of the population.
A small pox epidemic also
weakened the ability to fight
the Spanish.
An Unequal Fight: Disease

11. Strategy for Aztec Take-Over
In one of Cortes imperial battles, against the Tabascan people, Cortes was given gifts of gold and slaves.
This slave, named Malinche (Dona Marina) would be an important influence in the defeat of the Aztecs.
Strategy for Aztec Take-Over

12. Acted as an intermediary between the Spanish and Aztecs since she could speak both languages.
She was a spy and an advisor to Cortes.
Malinche

13. Aztec Strategy: “Sit back and Wait”
Moctezuma, the Aztec Emperor, originally allowed Cortes to enter the Aztec city.
When word came that they were to be invaded, Moctezuma had to decide whether to make the first move or not…
He chose to wait and see what the Spanish would do – a fateful decision.
Aztec Strategy: “Sit back and Wait”

14. Battle for Tenochtitlan: 1
Cortes and his Spanish troops captured Moctezuma and looted gold from the palaces, and melted it.
Moctezuma was forced to follow Spanish rule.
The Spanish crown sent over troops to arrest Cortes – they wanted him back in their own land.
Cortes fought off the troops, but when he returned to Tenochtitlan, the city had gone mad!
Cortes forced the emperor to talk to calm his people, but they threw stones at their leader.
Soon after, Moctezuma died.
The Aztecs then attacked the Spanish, killing many of them, and forcing the rest out of their city.
Battle for Tenochtitlan: 1

15. Six months after the first battle, Cortes attacked again.
After 80 days, only 60, 000 Aztec’s survived.
The Aztec Empire ceased to exist.
Fall of Tenochtitlan: