The Fall of the Aztec Empire: Key Events and Causes

In 1519, the Aztec Empire was a powerful civilization in Mexico and Central America. However, by 1521, it had fallen to Spanish conquistadors led by Hernan Cortes. The Aztecs faced numerous enemies due to their oppressive rule, and Cortes exploited this by forming alliances with disgruntled tribes. The Spanish had superior weaponry and tactics, and the Aztecs were further weakened by smallpox, a disease brought by the Europeans. Ineffective leadership under Montezuma also contributed to their downfall. After the conquest, Mexico City was established on the ruins of Tenochtitlan, and Spanish rule and Christianity spread across the region.

In what year did Spanish ships first land in Mexico, marking the beginning of the end for the Aztec Empire?

• 1521

• 1519

• 1530

• 1492

Who led the Spanish forces that conquered the Aztec Empire?

• Hernan Cortes

• Vasco Nunez de Balboa

• Christopher Columbus

• Francisco Pizarro

What was a significant reason for the rapid fall of the Aztec Empire?

• Natural disasters

• Alliances formed by Cortes

• Internal conflicts

• Lack of military technology

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What role did the Aztec's neighbors play in their downfall?

• They remained neutral

• They were conquered by the Aztecs

• They supported the Aztecs

• They allied with the Spanish

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What mistaken belief did Emperor Montezuma have about Cortes?

• He was a merchant

• He was a god

• He was a refugee

• He was an ambassador

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Who took leadership of the Aztecs after Montezuma?

• Cuauhtemoc

• Quino whack

• Cuitlahuac

• Tlacaelel

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What disease significantly weakened the Aztec population?

• Bubonic plague

• Influenza

• Cholera

• Smallpox

On what date did Tenochtitlan finally fall to the Spanish?

• August 13, 1521

• July 4, 1520

• June 30, 1519

• September 15, 1522

What was the new name given to the region after the fall of Tenochtitlan?

• New Tenochtitlan

• New Aztec

• New Mexico

• New Spain

Which religion spread throughout the region following the conquest?

• Hinduism

• Buddhism

• Islam

• Christianity