Spanish Invasion Of The Aztecs

Tlaxcalans attack the Spanish

Jun 1, 1519

This is important because the Tlaxcalans were enemies of the Aztecs.

Tlaxcalans form alliance with the Spanish

Jun 28, 1519

This is important because (once again) the Aztecs and Tlazcalans are enemies.

Moctezuma and Cortes meet

Nov 8, 1519

Cortes said that he comes in peace. Moctezuma treated him as if he was a god when they met.

Cortes takes Moctezuma hostage

Nov 15, 1519

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

May 1, 1520

This is important because many people were killed, Alvarado and his men massacred the unarmed worshippers.

The Spanish retreat after the Spanish gather arms.

May 31, 1520

The Aztecs were outraged at the killing of there priests and nobles. The Aztecs fought so harshly that the Spanish had to retreat.

Moctezuma dies

Jun 1, 1520

Cortes ordered Moctezuma to speak to his people to persuade them to let the Spanish return in peace. Moctezuma was seriously hurt by stones thrown at him, he died few days later.

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

Jun 30, 1520

The Aztecs caught the Spanish trying to get away in the night, but attacked them from all directions.

The Aztecs begin to die from smallpox

Nov 1, 1520

The Aztecs started getting sick from this disease the Europeans brought. The Europeans had immunity to this disease, as for the Aztecs it was newly exposed leaving them volnerable.

The Aztecs form a second attack on the now weakened Aztecs

Dec 20, 1520

Cortez returned with allies, Aztecs were greatly out numbered.

The last group of Aztecs surrender.

Aug 1, 1521

The Spanish blocked all water sources. The Aztecs that survived had died from contaminated drinking water.

Cortes becomes governer and general of new spain

Apr 27, 1522

The Spanish destroyed the city. Within three years he became governer and general.