Did Cortes Conquest Of The Aztec Empire Between 1519-21?
To what extent did Spanish military superiority facilitate the success of Cortes’ conquest of the Aztec Empire between 1519-21?
Extended Essay
Word Count: 3,888
Abstract: This essay addresses the question ‘To what extent did Spanish military superiority facilitate the success of Cortes’ conquest of the Aztec Empire between 1519-21?’. In order to reach a conclusion, a range of primary and secondary sources have been consulted, including The Conquest of Mexico by Hugh Thomas, The Conquistadors documentary by Michael Wood and letters from Hernan Cortes and Bernal Diaz to King Charles V of Spain. In 1521, a relatively small number of Spanish adventurers managed to conquer the vast Aztec empire and destroy a civilisation. Their story has been popularised in Western culture and become somewhat of a legend; however, the role that the Spanish themselves played in their eventual success is often exaggerated. Traditionally, explanations for the success of the Spanish have focused on their military and strategic superiority and the notorious leadership of …show more content…
Montezuma refused initially; never had an Emperor, who was seen as the closest being to God in the Aztec world, been reduced to the status of a prisoner; he said21: “My person is not such that can be made a prisoner of. Even if I would like it, my people would not suffer it.” Ultimately, Montezuma agreed to accompany Cortes, his decision clearly influenced by a mixture of fear and fascination of Cortes, a sentiment that would last until his death. This was an example of Cortes’ supreme dexterity and the psychological power he wielded over his captives. The ‘kidnapping’ allowed Cortes indirectly to rule the Aztecs. Cortes would allow Montezuma to continue to govern the Empire; but Cortes himself would govern
Extended Essay
Word Count: 3,888
Abstract: This essay addresses the question ‘To what extent did Spanish military superiority facilitate the success of Cortes’ conquest of the Aztec Empire between 1519-21?’. In order to reach a conclusion, a range of primary and secondary sources have been consulted, including The Conquest of Mexico by Hugh Thomas, The Conquistadors documentary by Michael Wood and letters from Hernan Cortes and Bernal Diaz to King Charles V of Spain. In 1521, a relatively small number of Spanish adventurers managed to conquer the vast Aztec empire and destroy a civilisation. Their story has been popularised in Western culture and become somewhat of a legend; however, the role that the Spanish themselves played in their eventual success is often exaggerated. Traditionally, explanations for the success of the Spanish have focused on their military and strategic superiority and the notorious leadership of …show more content…
Montezuma refused initially; never had an Emperor, who was seen as the closest being to God in the Aztec world, been reduced to the status of a prisoner; he said21: “My person is not such that can be made a prisoner of. Even if I would like it, my people would not suffer it.” Ultimately, Montezuma agreed to accompany Cortes, his decision clearly influenced by a mixture of fear and fascination of Cortes, a sentiment that would last until his death. This was an example of Cortes’ supreme dexterity and the psychological power he wielded over his captives. The ‘kidnapping’ allowed Cortes indirectly to rule the Aztecs. Cortes would allow Montezuma to continue to govern the Empire; but Cortes himself would govern