The Aztec Conquest, led by Hernán Cortés, marked a pivotal moment in history. In the early 16th century, Cortés landed in Mexico with a small Spanish force and, through a combination of superior weaponry, strategic alliances with indigenous groups, and the spread of diseases like smallpox, managed to overthrow the powerful Aztec Empire. This conquest dramatically reshaped the political and cultural landscape of the region, leading to the establishment of Spanish colonial rule.
Match the following terms with their definitions:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| 1. Conquistador | A. The Aztec capital city. |
| 2. Tenochtitlan | B. A disease that decimated the Aztec population. |
| 3. Smallpox | C. The last Aztec emperor. |
| 4. Moctezuma II | D. A Spanish conqueror. |
| 5. Indigenous | E. Native to a particular region or country. |
Fill in the missing words in the following paragraph:
________ landed in Mexico in 1519 and began his march towards ________. He formed alliances with tribes who resented Aztec rule. The Aztecs, led by ________, initially welcomed the Spanish but tensions soon escalated, leading to a siege of the city. Ultimately, the ________ were defeated, and Spanish colonial rule was established.
How did alliances with indigenous peoples contribute to the Spanish victory over the Aztec Empire? Explain your answer.
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