Aztec DBQ

The Aztec Empire was a powerful early American civilization based on a polytheistic religion. After centuries of building and maintaining a strong empire, Spanish invaders led by Hernan Cortes conquered the Aztec. The Spaniards’ reason for conquest was mainly greed and religious disparity and had thought their own actions as justified. The reasons for conquest were justifiable and benefited the Spanish as well as all neighboring civilizations. The gods promised Tenochtitlan, The Aztec capital, and is an example of the religion deeply rooted into their Empire. An aspect of their religion included human sacrifice used to please the gods and was thought of as a normal activity. When the Spaniards witnessed this religious practice, they were horrified and it made them feel threatened by what they thought to be ruthless savages (Document D). The empire relied on conquest and tribute to gain needed resources for their capital, which in turn made smaller …show more content…
Hernan Cortes first encountered towns on the outskirts of the empire and promised them liberation from the Aztecs, “These Amerinds believed Cortes’ promise of liberation from Aztec dominance…” (Judge and Langdon 405). When they finally saw the capital, they were completely shocked by the size and scheme of it (Document 18.1). They were greeted as welcomed guests and were brought into the city. Cortes thought they were in danger and rightly so, “the Aztec military elite pressed for the destruction of the strangers…” (Judge and Langdon 405). Another reason to justify their conquest was the immediate threat imposed upon the Spanish while inside the capital. Cortes and his men took action and seized Montezuma as a captive and end up fleeing the city. War breaks out and the Spanish outgun the Aztecs and end up making them plea for peace. The reason Cortes denies their plea is what justifies the conquest of the Aztec