EPISODE 22 The Conquest of Mexico (Part 3): Tenochtitlan Syndrome
Jul 21, 2017
auto_awesome
Discover the dramatic clash between the Spanish and Mexica empires, where cultural awe meets brutal betrayal. Delve into Moctezuma's struggle with impending doom as he navigates treachery and hope. Experience the chaotic descent of Tenochtitlan, witnessing blood-soaked confrontations and desperate attempts to resist invaders. Uncover the psychological toll on leaders, and the harrowing consequences of power shifts, culminating in the heart-wrenching chaos of a city under siege. It’s a gripping tale of glory, treachery, and bloodshed.
The alliance between Spaniards and Tlaxcalans emerges amid tensions, showcasing political maneuvering against the Mexica empire's dominance.
Cortes's decision to attack Cholula, despite warnings, leads to a catastrophic bloodbath that ignites further conflict against the Mexica.
Alvarado's surprise attack during a religious festival triggers a unified Mexica rebellion, marking a turning point in the conquest narrative.
Moctezuma's inability to maintain control during escalating violence ultimately leads to his downfall, transforming the Mexica into resolute adversaries against the Spaniards.
Deep dives
The Hanging of Alliances
At the outset of this historic account, the relationship between the Spaniards and the Tlaxcalans is highlighted, showcasing a temporary truce following bloody battles, with both groups realizing mutual benefits in joining forces against the Mexica. Emperor Moctezuma, initially hoping for the Tlaxcalans to weaken the Spaniards, feels threatened by their newfound alliance. Despite sending messengers to advocate against these alliances, Cortes disregards Moctezuma's counsel and enters Tlaxcala, an act that bolsters Spanish morale through the distribution of resources and marriage ties. This political maneuvering sets the stage for further conflict, as both alliances vie for power and control in the unfolding drama.
The March Towards Cholula
Cortes decides to march towards Cholula despite warnings from the Tlaxcalans, who caution against potential ambushes awaiting them there. Instead of heeding their advice to avoid Cholula due to its loyalty to the Mexica, Cortes sees an opportunity to assert dominance and eliminate potential threats along his route. Upon arriving in Cholula, the natives initially welcome the Spaniards, yet tensions run deep as the Tlaxcalans harbor resentment toward those allied with the Mexica. The decision to attack Cholula leads to a catastrophic bloodbath, deeply entrenching hostilities between the Spaniards and the Mexica, as this assault becomes a pivotal point in the conquest.
Alvarado’s Bloodbath at the Festival
Alvarado's decision to preemptively strike during a religious festival leads to horrific violence, killing thousands of unarmed Mexica participants. This brutal surprise attack devastates the already fractured relationship between the Mexica and the Spaniards, triggering an all-out war. Alvarado's paranoia, combined with manipulated information from Tlaxcalans, drove him to violence without solid justification, marking a critical turning point in the conquest narrative. The massacre effectively shifts the Mexica from a position of restraint to one of unified rebellion against the Spaniards, leading to fierce retribution.
Cortes’ Struggles Amidst Revolt
As the Mexica organize in response to Alvarado's massacre, Cortes finds himself and his men besieged in Tenochtitlan, cut off from resources and surrounded by enemy forces. The once-thriving city transforms into a battleground, with fierce fighting causing substantial losses among the Spaniards and their allies. Cortes attempts to navigate the worsening situation by seeking control through Moctezuma and using tactics of intimidation, yet he faces growing dissent among his ranks. The chaos culminates in heavy casualties for the Spaniards, resulting in a stark decline in their fighting force and an urgent need for reinforcement.
Moctezuma's Downfall
Moctezuma's inability to control his subjects in the wake of the escalating violence ultimately leads to his tragic downfall. After attempting to persuade his people to cease hostilities on behalf of the Spaniards, his authority falters as they openly reject his pleas. Stones and insults rain upon him from former subjects, showcasing how swiftly trust can erode in the face of treachery and bloodshed. The death of Moctezuma catalyzes a shift in the Mexica, who now fully embrace their resolve to resist the foreign invaders, marking a definitive shift in the power dynamics of the region.
A Chance for Victory
After significant defeats and losses, Cortes regroups and boldly prepares for another push against the Mexica, now poised for renewed combat. Despite the overwhelming losses suffered during La Noche Triste, Cortes's tenacity begins to surface as he gathers his remaining forces and plans a bold counterattack. His strategy involves recruiting local allies and leveraging the remaining Spanish forces to reclaim lost ground. Cortez's refusal to be deterred by adversity underscores his character and sets the stage for the next phase of the conquest, fostering a belief that he could still claim victory.
The Turning Tide
Following a series of tactical maneuvers, Cortes manages to re-enter Tenochtitlan, but the city he once found vibrant has become a ghost town filled with hostility. The Mexica, fueled by the losses they've sustained, prepare for confrontation as new leadership emerges amongst their ranks. Cortes' return is met with fierce resistance, and despite having rebuilt his forces and strategies, he faces the brutal truth of the determined and trained Mexica warriors who seek vengeance for their lost kin. This shift in morale and the looming threat of united Mexica forces present Cortes with perhaps the most significant challenge of his conquest, forcing him to innovate his approach to survival.
“And when we saw all those cities and villages built in the water, and other great towns on dry land, and that straight and level causeway leading to Mexico, we were astounded. These great towns and cues and buildings rising from the water, all made of stone, seemed like an enchanted vision from the tale of Amadis. Indeed, some of our soldiers asked whether it was not all a dream. It is not surprising therefore that I should write in this vein. It was all so wonderful that I do not know how to describe the first glimpse of things never heard of, seen or dreamed of before… But today all that I then saw is overthrown and destroyed; nothing is left standing.” Bernal Diaz
“Have confidence, Montezuma. Fear nothing. We love you greatly.” Hernan Cortes
“What is the use of all these words? Either we take him or we knife him.” Juan Velazquez de Leon
“They ran in among the dancers, forcing their way to the place where the drums were played. They attacked the man who was drumming and cut off his arms… Some attempted to run away, but their intestines dragged as they ran; they seemed to tangle their feet in their own entrails… So great was the bloodshed that blood ran through the courtyard like water in a heavy rain.”
In the 1500s, two highly militaristic peoples fueled by religious ideologies requiring bloodshed clashed with one another. This is the tale of what happened when a band of Spaniards run into the Mexica (Aztec) empire. By the time the dust will settle, out of the 25 million indigenous inhabitants of Mexico, little over a million will be left standing.
In this third episode:
-The massacre at Cholula
-The drunken man’s vision
-The splendor of Tenochtitlan
-Kidnapping an emperor
-Burning people at the stake in front of the Great Pyramid
-Why the Stockholm Syndrome should be renamed Tenochtitlan Syndrome
