Spanish Invasion of the Aztecs

Aztecs meet the Spanish

Mar 15, 1519

When Moctezuma first heard of the Spnish landing at Veracruz, he sent people bearing gifts of jewels and fine featherworks for the Spanish leader. He hoped that it would convince Cortes to leave. Also in the gifts, Moctezuma sent Cortes clothing of the Gods which he did not realize had real importance.

Massacre of Unarmed Aztecs

Apr 27, 1519

For the next six months, Cortes and his men remain in Tnochtitlan. Tensions between the Spanish and the Aztecs increased. Cortes got a message about his arrest from Valazquez.

Using the Tlaxcalans and Cholulas

Jun 14, 1519

The Tlaxcalans were enimies of the Aztec and had never conquered them. They did not want to be under Spanish rule so in the summer of 1519 they attacked the Spanish, Instead of success, Cortes held them off with guns and steel armour.

Further detail on the meeting of Moctezuma and Cortes

Nov 26, 1519

When Montecuhzoma had given Cortes necklaces, Cortes asked him, "Are you king Montcuhzoma? Is it true that you are king Montchuzoma?" and the king replied, "Yes." Montchuzoma bowed his head and spoke a long speech of welcome about the Lord.

The first meeting of Cortes and Moctezuma

Nov 27, 1519

Cortes was determined to conquer the empire for his king, his God and for riches, no matter how many lives were lost. Prior to meeting Moctezuma, Cortes sent messages saying that he was coming in peace and wished to meet the emperor to extend his greetings. When Moctezuma first met Cortes, he addressed him like a God. Unsure if he was Quetzalcoatl.

Sorrowful night.

Jun 27, 1520

When cortes returned to to Tenochtitlan, he found his men trapped but managed to reach the palace where they were staying. In June 1520, the spanish tried to escape in the middle of the night but the Aztecs discovered them crossing and attacked

Unforseen enemy

Aug 27, 1520

Small pox had been brought from spain to the new world. 90% of the Aztec population was wiped out completely by this disease

The final battle

Apr 27, 2011

After regrouping, Cortes returned to Tenochiltitlan with his allies, the Tlaxcalans. The Aztecs had no allies to support them in the battle, with more than half the population dead with smallpox, defending agains tthe spanish was impossible.