The Conquest of Mexico by Hernan Cortes

Hernan Cortes, an ambitious Spanish conquistador, embarked on a journey to the New World in the early 1500s. After initial setbacks, he arrived in Mexico in 1518 with a small force, quickly forming alliances with native tribes against the Aztecs. Cortes captured the Aztec leader Montezuma and controlled Tenochtitlan indirectly. A massacre during an Aztec festival led to a siege, which the Spanish won with superior weaponry, native allies, and the devastating impact of smallpox. Cortes' victory led to the foundation of Mexico City. Despite political struggles, his legacy remains significant.

What was Hernan Cortes' initial ambition before he set sail to Hispaniola?

• To become a governor

• To become a merchant

• To become a conquistador

• To become a sailor

What did Cortes receive after winning a battle in Tabasco?

• A map to Tenochtitlan

• A fleet of ships

• A treasure of gold

• 20 young indigenous women

Who was La Malinche in the context of Cortes' expedition?

• A rival conquistador

• A native woman and interpreter

• A leader of the Aztec army

• A Spanish noblewoman

Why did many tribes ally with Cortes against the Aztecs?

• They were forced by the Spanish

• They disliked the Aztecs' dominance

• They wanted to overthrow Montezuma

• They were promised gold

What tactic did Cortes use to control Tenochtitlan?

• He destroyed the city's food supply

• He took Montezuma hostage

• He built a fort outside the city

• He bribed the Aztec leaders

What event led to a brutal massacre during an Aztec festival?

• A disagreement over a treaty

• A misunderstanding about a human sacrifice

• An Aztec attack on Spanish soldiers

• A Spanish demand for more gold

What was one of the major factors that helped the Spanish win the siege of Tenochtitlan?

• The outbreak of smallpox

• The support of the Aztec nobility

• The arrival of reinforcements from Spain

• The use of horses

What did Cortes do after his victory over the Aztecs?

• He became the king of the Aztecs

• He established Mexico City

• He returned to Spain immediately

• He retired from military life

What title was Cortes granted during his first trip back to Spain?

• Duke

• Baron

• Don

• Count

What was a significant aspect of Cortes' legacy?

• He had no children

• He left a controversial legacy

• He was forgotten in history

• He became a saint