Cortes and the Aztecs

1. Cortes and the Aztecs

2. 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)

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. Aztec surrendered • Spanish built a city over the Aztec capital • Mexico City

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

9. 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