Spanish conquering the Aztecs timeline

By sushi_90
  • Feb 17, 1519

    Cortes sails for Mexico from Cuba

    Cortes sails for Mexico from Cuba
    This was important because it showed Cortes' determination to explore Mexico
  • May 11, 1519

    Tlaxcalans attack the Spanish

    Tlaxcalans attack the Spanish
    The Tlaxcalans didn't want to be conquered by the Spanish
  • May 20, 1519

    Tlaxcalans form alliance with the Spanish

    Tlaxcalans form alliance with the Spanish
    The Tlaxcalans decided to be allies to defeat the Aztecs.
  • Jul 3, 1519

    Moctezuma and Cortes meet

    Moctezuma and Cortes meet
    Cortes wanted to conquer the Aztecs for their gold.
  • Aug 9, 1519

    Cortes takes Moctezuma hostage

    Cortes takes Moctezuma hostage
    He took Moctezuma as hostage in the palace where he was staying.
  • Oct 23, 1519

    The Spanish massacre thousands of Aztecs while preparing for their religious festival

    The Spanish massacre thousands of Aztecs while preparing for their religious festival
    While the Aztecs were preparing for the festival, Cortes and his men surrounded the courtyard, they murdered nobles and priests.
  • Feb 9, 1520

    The Spanish retreat after the Aztecs gather arms

    The Spanish retreat after the Aztecs gather arms
    The Aztecs were outranged and fought ferociously.
  • Mar 16, 1520

    Moctezuma dies

    Moctezuma dies
    Moctezuma got stoned by his people
  • Apr 24, 1520

    The Spanish attempt to escape from Tenochtitlan but are stopped by the Aztecs - later referred to as the Noche Triste

    The Spanish attempt to escape from Tenochtitlan but are stopped by the Aztecs - later referred to as the Noche Triste
    The Spanish tried to escape in the middle of the night. Later on the Aztecs discovered them and attacked from all sides.
  • May 2, 1520

    The Aztecs begin to die from smallpox

    The Aztecs begin to die from smallpox
    The Aztecs were exposed to this European disease known as smallpox
  • Jun 25, 1520

    The Spanish form a second attack on the now weakened Aztecs

    The Spanish form a second attack on the now weakened Aztecs
    Members of the Triple Alliance turned against the Aztecs when they saw the strength of the Spanish. Half the Aztec population died from smallpox so the Spanish attacked them.
  • Aug 28, 1520

    The last group of Aztecs surrender

    The last group of Aztecs surrender
    Cortes prevented food/ water from entering the city as a result the Aztecs surrendered
  • Apr 4, 1521

    Cortes becomes governor and captain-general of New Spain

    Cortes becomes governor and captain-general of New Spain
    He built Mexico City on the ruins of the Aztecs