Hernán Cortés y la Conquista de México

Summary

This video script details the life and conquests of Hernán Cortés, beginning with his early years in Spain and his journey to the Americas. It highlights his role in the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire, detailing key events such as his alliance with the Tlaxcalans, the massacre in Cholula, the capture of Moctezuma, the subsequent struggles with Spanish forces loyal to Velázquez, and the infamous 'Noche Triste.' The script concludes with the fall of Tenochtitlán and the capture of the last Aztec emperor, Cuauhtémoc, marking the end of the empire and the beginning of Spanish dominance in Mexico.

Takeaways

• 😀 Hernán Cortés, born in Medellín in 1485, studied law in Salamanca before leaving for the New World in the Caribbean.
• 😀 Cortés caught the attention of Diego Velázquez, governor of Cuba, who entrusted him with an expedition to recover from previous setbacks.
• 😀 The expedition included 550 soldiers, 200 Indians, some African slaves, and several horses, with the aim of reaching Tenochtitlán.
• 😀 Cortés took drastic action by scuttling most of his fleet to prevent deserters from returning to Cuba, signaling his commitment to the mission.
• 😀 Cortés formed alliances with local tribes, notably the Tlaxcaltecs, who became crucial allies in the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire.
• 😀 Moctezuma, the Aztec emperor, tried to deter the Spanish with gifts and military strategies, but Cortés proceeded with his plan.
• 😀 In Cholula, Cortés preemptively attacked the native nobility after suspecting a potential ambush, solidifying his control.
• 😀 The Spanish were awe-struck by the beauty of Tenochtitlán, but they also faced the threat of being trapped in the city by its strategic design.
• 😀 Cortés captured Moctezuma, whose authority weakened, and the Spanish faced challenges from other Spanish soldiers sent to confront Cortés.
• 😀 After a massacre in Tenochtitlán and the death of Moctezuma, the Spanish were forced to retreat during the 'Noche Triste,' losing many men in the process.
• 😀 Cortés later regrouped with reinforcements, defeating the Mexicas in the Battle of Otumba, before launching a final assault on Tenochtitlán, which led to the fall of the Aztec Empire on August 13, 1521.

Q & A

What was Hernán Cortés' early life like?

Hernán Cortés was born in 1485 in Medellín, Spain. He was the son of Martín Cortés and Catalina Pizarro Altamirano. During his youth, he studied law for two years in Salamanca, although he did not complete his degree. After returning to his family, he soon left to pursue his ambitions in the New World.

How did Cortés gain the attention of Diego Velázquez?

Cortés gained the attention of Diego Velázquez, the governor of Cuba, due to his growing prestige and abilities. Velázquez entrusted him with an expedition after the failures of Francisco Hernández de Córdoba and Juan de Grijalva. This marked the beginning of Cortés' expedition to Mexico.

What was the composition of the expedition led by Cortés?

Cortés' expedition consisted of around 550 soldiers, including 32 crossbowmen, 13 gunmen, 200 indigenous people, some African slaves, and a few Indian women. The group also carried 10 bronze cannons, four falconets, and 16 horses.

What significant decision did Cortés make after arriving at Veracruz?

After reaching Veracruz, Cortés made the crucial decision to scuttle and dismantle his own fleet. This was done to prevent any of his men from returning to Cuba, thereby committing himself and his forces to the conquest of the Aztec Empire.

What role did the Tlaxcaltecs play in the conquest?

The Tlaxcaltecs were crucial allies to the Spanish during the conquest. They were fierce enemies of the Mexica (Aztecs) and formed an alliance with Cortés, providing soldiers who played a key role in the battles that followed.

How did Moctezuma attempt to handle Cortés' arrival?

Moctezuma, the Aztec emperor, attempted to dissuade Cortés from advancing by sending gifts and offering diplomatic strategies. However, his efforts were unsuccessful, and Cortés eventually formed alliances with several of Moctezuma's enemies, including the Tlaxcaltecs.

What happened in Cholula and why was it significant?

In Cholula, Cortés responded to signs of a potential ambush by Moctezuma’s forces. Cortés preemptively attacked, slaughtering the Cholulan nobility. This event shocked the local populations and solidified Cortés' reputation as a decisive and ruthless leader.

What led to the eventual capture of Moctezuma?

Cortés and his men entered Tenochtitlán and were initially received with hospitality. Fearing the Mexica’s potential to trap or isolate them, Cortés captured Moctezuma, holding him as a hostage to maintain control over the city while tensions escalated.

What was the significance of the 'La Noche Triste' (The Sad Night)?

La Noche Triste, or The Sad Night, occurred when the Spanish and their Tlaxcaltec allies attempted to flee Tenochtitlán after Moctezuma's death and a massacre led by Pedro de Alvarado. The retreat resulted in the loss of many Spanish soldiers and allies, marking a major setback in the conquest.

How did Cortés manage to eventually conquer Tenochtitlán?

After the defeat at La Noche Triste, Cortés regrouped with his allies, including the Tlaxcaltecs. He also leveraged the power of small warships, or bergantines, to attack Tenochtitlán by water. Combined with a devastating epidemic, these strategies ultimately led to the fall of the city and the capture of the last Aztec emperor, Cuauhtémoc, in August 1521.