Notes on the Aztecs and Spanish Conquest

Arrival in Central Mexico: The Aztecs (Mexica) were a recent arrival in Central Mexico, having established a town on an island in a swamp that developed into a mighty empire.
Population and Empire Size: The empire had around 5 million people, with Mesoamerica's total estimated population between 20 and 30 million.
Political Structure: The Aztecs were political rulers, with their influence extending over those they conquered, who had to pay tribute but were not fully integrated into society.

Human Sacrifice: The Aztecs performed human sacrifices as religious rituals, believing that these acts honored their gods. Victims, often warriors or slaves, were prepared over time, culminating in ritualistic heart removal to please the sun deity.
Dissatisfaction Among Tribes: The tribute system and legal restrictions widened the gap between nobles and commoners, leading to resentment among tributary tribes.
Famine and Economic Strain: Conditions in the late empire included food shortages due to failed harvests, contributing to public unrest and malnutrition among commoners.

Cortez's Expedition: In February 1519, Hernan Cortez organized an unauthorized expedition with 500 men, seeking wealth and glory after hearing reports of the Aztec empire's riches.
Translators' Role: Cortez utilized two key translators, Geronimo de Aguilar and La Malinche, facilitating communications between Spanish and native groups but leading to potential misinterpretations.

City Description: Tenochtitlan boasted advanced architecture, canals, gardens, vibrant markets selling diverse goods, and schools attended by both boys and girls.
Moctezuma's Relations: Initially welcoming, Moctezuma was apprehensive about Cortez's growing influence, leading to his capture by the Spanish after Cortez perceived threats from additional Spanish forces.

Spanish Retaliation and Disease: Following an attack on Aztec celebrants, the Spanish were besieged. Their retreat was disastrous, leading to the outbreak of smallpox, which devastated the largely unprotected indigenous population.
Siege of Tenochtitlan: Cortez returned with reinforcements, effectively besieging Tenochtitlan for three months, ultimately leading to brutal street warfare and destruction of the city.
End of the Empire: The Aztecs fought valiantly but faced a significant disadvantage in technology (e.g. guns) and suffered from disease and starvation.

Why Did the Aztec Empire Fall? Historians have explored various theories:
- Importance of Spanish allies
- Impact of diseases (microbes) like smallpox
- Benefits of superior Spanish technology (guns)
- Possible misinterpretations of Aztec religious beliefs about the Spanish as gods.
Understanding Bias in Primary Sources: Cortez’s accounts serve as important historical documents but come with bias due to his position as a conqueror. Thus, it is crucial to critically analyze these sources and seek diverse perspectives.

Emphasis on Multiple Perspectives: Different interpretations of the events highlight the complexity of historical narratives—acknowledging various sources and the biases within them is essential for deeper understanding. Historians like Camilla Townsend challenge simplistic notions, indicating the need for thorough research and comprehension of any historical event.