Aztecs and the Spanish conquest, 1519—1535 (OCR)

What civilization did the Mexica belong to before the Spanish conquest?

The Aztec Civilization.

When did the Mexica migrate to the Valley of Mexico?

Around the 13th century.

What significant event marked the foundation of Tenochtitlan?

The sighting of an eagle on a cactus with a snake in its beak.

What was the Triple Alliance formed in the 15th century?

An alliance between Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, and Tlacopan that led to Aztec dominance.

What were chinampas in Aztec civilization?

Artificial islands created for agriculture.

What was the primary purpose of the causeways and canals in Tenochtitlan?

To connect the city to the mainland and facilitate transportation.

What kind of market was Tlatelolco known for?

A huge marketplace that was a center of trade and commerce.

What was the population estimate of Tenochtitlan during its peak?

About 200,000 or more.

What was the social structure of the Aztec society?

A rigid social hierarchy including emperor, nobility, commoners, and slaves.

Who was Huitzilopochtli in Aztec religion?

The god of war and sun, patron deity of Tenochtitlan.

What role did human sacrifice play in Aztec culture?

It was a central ritual believed necessary to appease the gods.

What was the primary basis of the Aztec economy?

Agriculture, tribute, and trade.

What type of language was Nahuatl?

The language of the Aztecs, using a pictographic and phonetic system.

Who led the Spanish expedition to Mexico in 1519?

Hernán Cortés.

What motivated Cortés during his expedition?

Gold, glory, and God (spreading Christianity).

Where did Cortés establish a settlement upon arriving in Mexico?

In Veracruz.

Who was La Malinche and what was her importance?

An indigenous woman who was Cortés's interpreter and advisor.

What was the outcome of the Cholula Massacre?

Spanish and Tlaxcalan forces massacred Cholulan nobles to demonstrate power.

How did Moctezuma II initially react to Cortés's arrival?

He welcomed Cortés and his men into Tenochtitlan.

What does the term 'Noche Triste' refer to?

The 'Night of Sorrows' when the Spanish were forced to flee Tenochtitlan.

What led to the fall of Tenochtitlan?

The combined effects of military siege, disease, and internal division.

What military advantages did the Spanish have over the Aztecs?

Steel weapons, firearms, armor, and horses.

What was the role of disease in the Spanish conquest?

It devastated the Aztec population, weakening their military and societal structure.

What was the significance of Cuauhtémoc during the siege?

He was the last Aztec emperor who led the defense of Tenochtitlan.

What happened to Tenochtitlan after its fall?

It was systematically destroyed and later rebuilt as Mexico City.

What was the Encomienda system?

A system where Spanish conquistadors were granted rights to tribute and labor from indigenous populations.

What impact did the Spanish conquest have on the indigenous population?

A catastrophic decline due to disease, warfare, and exploitation.

What was one form of cultural resistance among the indigenous people after conquest?

Preservation of aspects of their culture, language, and beliefs.

What key figure was known for leading the defense of Tenochtitlan?

Cuauhtémoc.

What critical alliance did Cortés form to aid in his conquest?

The alliance with Tlaxcalans, an enemy of the Aztecs.

What transformation did Spain impose after the conquest of the Aztecs?

Suppression of Aztec religion and imposition of Spanish culture.

How did the Spanish exploit Aztec resources post-conquest?

Extraction of wealth, especially gold and silver from mines.

What was one result of the Spanish transplanting their agricultural practices in New Spain?

Introduction of new crops and livestock.

What was the consequence of the Spanish missionaries' arrival?

Destruction of indigenous religious artifacts and practices for conversion to Catholicism.

What did many indigenous groups in Mesoamerica view the Spanish as?

Liberators from Aztec oppression.

What characterized the Aztec military tactics compared to the Spanish?

Aztec warfare was often ritualistic, focusing on captives for sacrifice, unlike Spanish total warfare.

Who was notorious for his ruthless leadership and adaptability during the conquest?

Hernán Cortés.

What was a significant theme in the Spanish conquest of the Aztecs?

The cultural clash and misunderstanding between two vastly different cultures.

What effect did the Spanish conquest have on the Aztec social structure?

It dismantled the old hierarchy, replacing it with a Spanish-dominated system.

What was the role of indigenous allies in the Spanish conquest?

They provided essential support and manpower for the Spanish.

What did the Spanish establish as a new colonial administration in the Aztec territories?

The colony of New Spain, governed by a Viceroy.