USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -An unnerving series of coincidences led Montezuma to believe that perhaps Cortés was the Aztec god Quetzalcoatl, who had promised to return one day to reclaim his kingdom. Quetzalcoatl, “the feathered serpent, ” stood for the solar light, the morning star. He symbolized knowledge, arts, and religion.

Detailed explanation-2: -Many within the Aztec Empire came to believe that Cortés was Quetzalcoatl the god who would return to overthrow the god Tezcatlipoca, who demanded human sacrifice. Cortés was aided by an Indian woman La Malinche or Malintzin, who became an invaluable interpreter for and mistress and confidant of Cortés.

Detailed explanation-3: -The Aztecs first thought the Spanish were gods due to their light skin and dark hair. The Aztecs would pay the Spanish gold and other gifts to celebrate them. The Spanish saw these riches and realized they wanted more but were outnumbered by the Aztecs.

Detailed explanation-4: -With help from the people of Tlaxcala, Cortés’ army regrouped and returned to Tenochtitlán on June 25, 1520. They found that the city’s society had crumbled. Nonetheless, the Aztec warriors, under their new leader Cuauhtemoc, resisted the Spanish and a long siege ensued.

Detailed explanation-5: -To many Mexicans, Cortes is a symbol of rape and plunder. He tore down Tenochtitlan, capital of the Aztec Empire, and imposed Spanish rule over Indian civilization. With the concubine Malinche, he produced a new mixed-blood or mestizo race. Ultimately, he hanged the brave and honorable Aztec warrior Cuauhtemoc.