The AztecsRise and Fall of an Empire

Before the Aztec Empire

• Migration lead to the beginning of political fragmentation of central Mexico.

• Mexica founded Tenochtitlán (site of modern Mexico City) and became well populated.

• They made systematic alliances creating complete domination in almost all regions.

• Triple Alliance (Mexica/Texcocans/Tacubans) formed the “Aztec Empire”

Moctezuma I – Father of Aztec Empire• They attributed disasters to the gods’ anger, so they began to have ceremonies of sacrifices to satisfy them.• Due to expansion, they reordered society which networks resembled a spider web – everybody had a role.• Multitude of laborers built great construction projects.

• Massacres were motivated by their religion and belief that gods constantly needed to be fed.• Problems revealing within triple alliance.• Polygamy became a sign of nobility in their society.• The empire’s size caused problems with increasing demands and needs.• Political opinions changed and rebellions began.

• Hernan Cortes formed an alliance with Tlaxcala – Aztec’s enemies. They welcomed the Spaniards in hope of revenge towards them. • Cortes noticed Aztec’s weaknesses: 1. Weapon inferiority 2. Moctezuma’s hesitation 3. Discontent of peoples• Eager to see Moctezuma’s wealth and power, Cortes arrived with gifts and nobles of the tribes.

Spanish Arrival

Spaniards secretly detained Moctezuma and his lords, then put together a ceremony which gave them a chance to assasinate the highest people in the empire. (almost 10,000)The spaniard’s huge offense included the aztec’s enemies which joined their force. On August 13, 1521 the Empire fell due to the constant killing and disease. (240,000 dead)

New Spain • This started the “Anti Spanish” Party, A group of Indians that believed Mexico would return to old older.

• Cortes wanted to end all sign of their culture, he began by their religion. They were forced to convert to Christianity. Along with abandoning their fate they also raided their temples, killed their priests, smashed their statues and burned their pictographs. Also ended their sacrifices, ritual cannibalism and polygamy. Yet the Indians rejected the new regime.

• Intermarriage began between noble Indian women and Spaniards. But the two republics were still kept as separate populations.

• Epidemics rid the last of the indigenous survivors. They returned spontaneously throughout the years lowering the population.