Aztec Collapse Quick Overview

When did Spanish ships first land in Mexico, and what was the state of the Aztec Empire at that time?

• 1492, the Aztec Empire was just beginning to form.

• 1519, the Aztec Empire was at the height of its power.

• 1600, the Aztec Empire was in decline.

• 1500, the Aztec Empire was a minor regional power.

From their capital, Tenochtitlan, how many people did the Aztecs rule, and what geographical area did they control?

• Approximately 5 million people across South America.

• Around 10 million people in parts of North America.

• About 15 million people in much of what is now Mexico and Central America.

• Over 20 million people throughout the entire American continent.

Who colonized the Aztec Empire and what did they do to gain an advantage over the Aztecs?

Which advantages do you believe caused most damage to the Aztec Empire?

What was a significant internal factor that contributed to the downfall of the Aztec Empire?

• They had too many allies who turned against them.

• Their palaces and temples were not as advanced as European structures.

• They had many enemies among neighboring tribes due to brutal force and human sacrifices.

• They lacked a strong military to defend their borders.

Besides gaining allies from Aztec enemies, what technological advantages did the Spanish invaders possess?

• Advanced agricultural techniques and superior farming tools.

• Superior weapons like guns, trained horses, and fully loaded warships.

• Knowledge of advanced medicine and healing practices.

• The ability to build faster and larger cities.

What disease, brought by the Spanish, significantly weakened the Aztec population and killed their new emperor?

• Measles

• Bubonic Plague

• Smallpox

• Influenza

What did they rename Tenochtitlan/Mexico to?