Exploration
Why did Columbus sail?
Columbus sailed to find a new route to Asia.
How was Moctezuma tricked by Cortes?
Cortes took advantage of Moctezuma's belief in the prophecy of his return.
What rewards did courage and military skill provide in Aztec society?
They allowed individuals to move up the social hierarchy.
What were chinampas and their significance?
Chinampas were floating gardens that allowed for efficient agriculture.
How were the Aztecs ultimately conquered?
They were defeated by Cortes and his allies, combined with local dissenters.
What was Spain's view of Cortes?
Spain viewed Cortes as a successful conquistador who expanded their empire.
Why might Cortes' crew rebel?
They faced hardships and were unhappy with their treatment and rewards.
Describe the social classes in Aztec society.
There were classes including nobility, commoners, and slaves, with nobility holding the most power.
Describe the geography of the Aztec Empire.
It included highlands, valleys, and lakes, which influenced settlement patterns.
What weapons did Cortes and his men use against the Aztecs?
They used swords, guns, and horses, which the Aztecs had never seen.
What were the omens and legends surrounding Cortes?
Omens included predictions of the arrival of a god-like figure, which influenced Moctezuma's actions.
What actions did Cortes take to prevent rebellion among his crew?
He promised them wealth and land, and used military discipline.
What were the goals of education in Aztec society?
Education aimed to prepare young people for roles in society and instill values.
How did geography impact Aztec conquests?
Geographic advantages allowed for strategic military positioning.
Explain the final battle against the Aztecs.
The final battle, known as the Siege of Tenochtitlan, involved a prolonged conflict leading to the city’s fall.
What role did Ferdinand and Isabella play in exploration?
They sponsored Columbus's voyages to explore new lands.
Why might La Malinche be seen as historically complicated?
She was both a translator and a traitor, helping Cortes while being a victim of circumstance.
What similarities existed between European and Aztec civilizations?
Both had complex social structures, religious beliefs, and systems of governance.
How did the geography of Tenochtitlan provide advantages to the Aztecs?
Tenochtitlan was built on an island, making it easily defensible.
What role did disease play in the conquest of the Aztecs?
Diseases brought by Europeans devastated the Indigenous population, weakening their resistance.
What was the significance of the Law of Burgos 1512?
It aimed to protect the rights of Indigenous people in the Americas.
Describe Cortes' motivations for conquering the Aztecs.
GOD GLORY GOLD
How did the Aztec calendar structure their society?
It helped organize agricultural practices and religious events throughout the year.
What was the significance of Moctezuma's reign in terms of geography?
His reign saw the expansion of the empire and control over key trade routes.
Discuss the concept of genocide in the context of the Aztec conquests.
The term refers to the mass killings and suffering experienced by the Aztecs due to European actions.