Cortés was a charismatic and ruthless leader, skilled in diplomacy, warfare, and psychological tactics. His motives included personal wealth, expansion of Spanish territory, and spreading Christianity. The conquest of the Aztec Empire promised immense riches and prestige.
The Arrival at Tenochtitlan
In early 1519, Cortés landed on the coast of what is now Veracruz. There, he forged alliances with indigenous groups hostile to the Aztecs, such as the Tlaxcalans. These alliances were crucial to the Spanish campaign, providing warriors, knowledge, and logistical support.
As Cortés and his forces approached Tenochtitlan, they sent envoys to Montezuma, who was reportedly torn between fear, curiosity, and attempts to assert authority. According to some accounts, Montezuma initially welcomed Cortés, possibly believing him to be a god or a fulfillment of prophecy related to Quetzalcoatl.
The Spaniards entered Tenochtitlan in November 1519, marveling at its splendor. The city was a marvel of engineering and culture, with grand temples, bustling markets, and organized social systems. Montezuma hosted the Spanish with ceremonies and gifts, but tensions simmered beneath the surface.
The Capture of Montezuma and Rising Conflict
Cortés soon realized that to control the empire, he needed to control Montezuma. In a daring move, he took the emperor hostage within his own palace. This allowed Cortés to manipulate the Aztec leadership, but also created deep resentment among the Aztec nobility and commoners.
Relations deteriorated rapidly. The Spaniards’ demands for gold and their interference with Aztec religious practices fueled anger. In June 1520, after Cortés left the city temporarily to confront rival Spanish forces, unrest erupted. The Aztecs rose in revolt, leading to the infamous "La Noche Triste" (The Night of Sorrows), when the Spaniards were forced to flee the city, suffering heavy losses.
Montezuma’s fate during this uprising remains debated. Some sources claim he was killed by the Aztecs; others suggest the Spaniards executed him. His death marked the end of Aztec leadership and intensified the conflict shutdown123