Aztec Society
Religion & Worldview
Cortés & Conquest
Why the Spanish Won
New Spain & Legacy
100

This social class included merchants, artisans, priests, and warriors.

What is the Macehualtin?

100

The feathered serpent god connected to a prophecy of return.

Who is Quetzalcoatl?

100

Spanish conquerors were known by this term.

What are conquistadors?

100

A disease that devastated the Aztec population.

What is smallpox?

100

The Spanish name for the conquered Aztec territory.

What is New Spain?

200

The ruling class of Aztec society.

Who are the Pipiltin?

200

The Aztecs believed these could warn people about future events.

What are omens?

200

Cortés destroyed these after landing in Mexico.

What are his ships?

200

The Spanish had a military advantage because they possessed these animals.

What are horses?

200

Large Spanish estates granted after the conquest.

What are haciendas?

300

These people worked land owned by nobles and paid taxes.

Who are the Mayeques?

300

The Spanish believed monarchs received authority from this source.

What is God?

300

This Aztec ruler welcomed Cortés into Tenochtitlan.

Who is Moctezuma II?

300

Many Indigenous groups joined Cortés because they disliked Aztec demands for this.

What is tribute?

300

Children of Spanish and Indigenous parents were called this.

What are mestizos?

400

This social class could sometimes earn or buy their freedom.

Who are the Tlacotin?

400

The Aztecs believed human sacrifice helped maintain this.

What is the balance of the world?

400

This Indigenous group became one of Cortés' strongest allies.

Who are the Tlaxcalans?

400

The Aztecs often focused on capturing enemies alive, while the Spanish focused on this.

What is total conquest?

400

A Spanish priest who argued Indigenous peoples deserved protection and rights.

Who is Bartolomé de Las Casas?

500

The Aztec social system is best described using this word.

What is hierarchical?

500

Both the Spanish and Aztecs believed their religion was important enough to influence this.

What are government and warfare?

500

This woman helped Cortés communicate and form alliances.

Who is La Malinche?

500

Name three major reasons for the Spanish victory.

Any three of:

  • Smallpox
  • Indigenous allies
  • Horses
  • Guns
  • Cannons
  • Steel weapons
  • Moctezuma's hesitation
  • Military strategy
500

Name two long-term effects of the conquest.

Any two:

  • Spread of Christianity
  • Loss of Indigenous power
  • Cultural blending
  • Population decline from disease
  • Growth of the Spanish Empire
  • Loss of land
  • Loss of traditional practices