The Fall of Tenochtitlan, the main city of the Aztec Empire, was due to the attacks of the Spanish Conquistador Hernán Cortés and his army in addition to the Smallpox brought by the Spaniards.
Fast Facts:
- Occurred: 1519-1521
- Led by Hernán Cortés
- Moctezuma II welcomed the Spaniards into the city
- Many Aztecs died from smallpox and starvation
- Tenochtitlan completely destroyed
Brief History
The fall of Tenochtitlan was a major victory for the Spanish in their quest to dominate the Americas. It also marked the beginning of the end for the Aztec Civilization.
When the Spanish arrived, led by Hernan Cortes, the Aztec leader Moctezuma II greeted them with gifts of gold. He also invited them to their city, and it is largely unknown why Moctezuma did not respond more cautiously to the Spanish.
The Spanish took Moctezuma captive, but this strategy only worked for a brief period. Soon the Aztecs revolted. A bout of smallpox brought by the Spaniards and a successful siege of the city devastated the Aztec people who surrendered on August 13, 1521.
Fall of Tenochtitlan Central Figures
Fall of Tenochtitlan Timeline
1502: Moctezuma II becomes ruler
1519: February, Hernán Cortés defies orders and leaves Cuba to conquer Mexico
1519: November 8, Spaniards arrive in Tenochtitlan
1519: November 16, Moctezuma II under house arrest
1520: May 5, The massacre in the main temple took place led by Pedro de Alvarado
1520: June, Death of Moctezuma II
1520: June 30, a battle led by the Aztecs called La Noche Triste almost annihilated Spaniards in the area
1520: October, Smallpox outbreak in Tenochtitlan
1521: February, Cuitláhuac becomes ruler
1521: May, Spaniards surround Tenochtitlan and cut off water supply
1521: June, Spaniards siege Tenochtitlan
1521: August, Spaniards destroy Tenochtitlan
1521: August 13, Cuauhtemoc is imprisoned, ending the battle for Tenochtitlan
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