Aztec Empire | World History | Khan Academy

Summary

This video explores the distinction between the Aztec civilization and the Aztec Empire, which formed shortly before Spanish colonization. It highlights the rise of Tenochtitlan, initially a weaker city-state that became the empire's capital after forming a crucial alliance with Texcoco and Tlacopan. The empire, known for its advanced infrastructure and tributary system, ultimately fell to Hernando Cortés, aided by alliances with discontented city-states and a devastating smallpox epidemic. The narrative emphasizes the sophistication of the Aztecs and the significant impact of the Spanish conquest on their society.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The Aztec Empire is distinct from the broader Aztec civilization, which spanned hundreds of years.
• 🌍 The empire formed in the 100 years before Spanish colonization, primarily around Lake Texcoco.
• 🏙️ Tenochtitlan, established in 1325, initially began as one of the weaker city-states in the region.
• ⚔️ A civil war in Azcapotzalco led to the formation of the Triple Alliance between Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, and Tlacopan.
• 👑 Tenochtitlan eventually became the capital of the Aztec Empire, exerting power over other city-states.
• 💰 The Aztec Empire operated as a tributary system, with conquered city-states paying tribute to Tenochtitlan.
• 🔗 The Spanish conquest in 1521 was facilitated by alliances with discontented neighboring city-states.
• 💔 A smallpox epidemic significantly weakened the Aztec population, killing around 50% of people in the region.
• 🏗️ The Aztecs had advanced infrastructure, including causeways and a dam system for flood control and freshwater collection.
• 🌊 Mexico City was built over Lake Texcoco, facing ongoing flooding issues due to the destruction of Aztec infrastructure.

Q & A

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

The Aztec civilization refers to the broader cultural and social groups over hundreds of years, while the Aztec Empire is a specific political entity that formed in the century before Spanish colonization.

What were the main city-states involved in the formation of the Aztec Empire?

The main city-states involved in the formation of the Aztec Empire were Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, and Tlacopan.

How did Tenochtitlan rise to power?

Tenochtitlan rose to power by forming a triple alliance with Texcoco and Tlacopan, allowing them to conquer Azcapotzalco during a civil war.

What was the significance of Tenochtitlan in the Aztec Empire?

Tenochtitlan became the capital of the Aztec Empire and was pivotal in the administration and governance of the tributary state system.

What led to the fall of the Aztec Empire?

The fall of the Aztec Empire was facilitated by Hernán Cortés, who, with a small group of conquistadors and support from rival city-states, was able to conquer Tenochtitlan. Additionally, a smallpox epidemic significantly weakened the population.

How did the Aztec Empire manage its tributary system?

The Aztec Empire operated as a tributary system where conquered city-states paid tribute, which included goods, services, and revenue, to Tenochtitlan.

What engineering feats did the Aztecs accomplish in Tenochtitlan?

The Aztecs built advanced causeways and a dam system to manage water supply and control flooding in Tenochtitlan, showcasing their engineering capabilities.

How did the Spanish conquest affect the geography of the region?

The Spanish conquest led to significant geographical changes, including the draining of Lake Texcoco, which caused flooding issues for Mexico City, founded over the lake.

What role did alliances with neighboring city-states play in the Aztec Empire's expansion?

Alliances with neighboring city-states were crucial for the Aztec Empire's expansion, as they provided additional military support and resources in conflicts against rival city-states.

What distinguishes the Aztecs from the Maya in terms of governance?

Unlike the Aztec tributary system, which relied on a central authority in Tenochtitlan, the Maya civilization consisted of autonomous city-states that operated independently with varying degrees of power and influence.