Aztec Empire and Spanish Conquest

The video explores the distinction between the Aztec civilization and the Aztec Empire, focusing on the latter's formation around Lake Texcoco. It details the rise of Tenochtitlan and the creation of the Triple Alliance, which led to the establishment of the Aztec Empire. The video also covers Hernando Cortez's conquest of the empire, aided by local city-states and a smallpox epidemic. The advanced infrastructure of Tenochtitlan and the eventual transformation of the region into Mexico City are highlighted.

What is the main difference between the Aztec civilization and the Aztec Empire?

• The civilization was formed after the Spanish colonization, while the empire existed before.

• The civilization was located in northern Mexico, while the empire was in southern Mexico.

• The civilization was a specific political entity, while the empire was a cultural group.

• The civilization was a cultural group over centuries, while the empire was a specific political entity.

Which city-state was initially weaker around Lake Texcoco?

• Tlaxcala

• Tenochtitlan

• Texcoco

• Tlacopan

What was the Triple Alliance?

• An agreement between the Aztecs and the Incas

• A coalition of Mayan city-states

• A treaty between the Aztecs and the Spanish

• An alliance between Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, and Tlacopan

Who led the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire?

• Francisco Pizarro

• Hernando Cortez

• Ferdinand Magellan

• Christopher Columbus

What was a significant factor in the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire?

• The use of advanced Aztec weaponry

• Alliances with neighboring city-states

• The Aztecs' superior naval fleet

• The Aztecs' alliance with the Mayans

What infrastructure did Tenochtitlan have that was considered advanced for its time?

• A fleet of steam-powered ships

• A series of skyscrapers

• A system of causeways and bridges

• A network of underground tunnels

What transformation did the Aztec Empire undergo over time?

• It became a democratic republic.

• It transformed into a tributary empire.

• It became a part of the Inca Empire.

• It was divided into smaller kingdoms.

What was the impact of the smallpox epidemic on the Aztec region?

• It strengthened the Aztec military.

• It led to the rise of a new empire.

• It killed 50% of the population.

• It had no significant impact.

What was the fate of Lake Texcoco after the Spanish conquest?

• It was preserved as a natural reserve.

• It was expanded to support agriculture.

• It was drained to control flooding.

• It became a major trade route.

How did the Aztec Empire differ from the neighboring Mayan city-states?

• The Aztecs were located in the Yucatan Peninsula, while the Mayans were in southern Mexico.

• The Aztecs had no written language, while the Mayans did.

• The Aztecs were primarily traders, while the Mayans were warriors.

• The Aztec Empire was a tributary state, while the Mayans were autonomous.