jan 13, 1519 - Hernan Cortes Conquers Aztec Empire

Description:

Hernan Cortes brought down at the Aztec Empire with around 450 soldiers. He made his way to the capital of Tenochtitlan where he seized Emperor Motecuzoma II. Aztec forces initially drove Spanish forces from the capital. However, Cortes built a small fleet of ships, placed Tenochtitlan under siege and then starved the city into surrender.
Advantages of the Spanish:
1. They Conquistadores had superior steel swords, muskets, cannons, and horses which gave them the military advantage over the Aztecs.
2. Cortes exploited divisions among the indigenous peoples of Mexico who resented rule by the Mexcia and who reinforced the small Spanish army with thousands of warriors, logistical support and secure bases
3. During the siege, smallpox which had arrived earlier due to the Colombian Exchange raged through the city, killing tens of thousands of inhabitants and sapping the strength of the Aztec's defensive forces.

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