The Rest Is History 389. The Fall of the Aztecs: The Night of Tears (Part 6)
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Nov 16, 2023 In a gripping tale of desperation, Hernán Cortés and his troops make a harrowing nighttime escape from the besieged Tenochtitlan. Surrounded by hostile Aztecs and with resources dwindling, their flight is fraught with danger and chaos. The poignant clash symbolizes the collapse of an empire. Meanwhile, the devastating impact of smallpox begins to unfold, further weakening the Aztec civilization and altering the course of history. This dramatic moment intertwines valor and tragedy in a captivating narrative of conquest.
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The Night of Tears
- Cortés and his men attempt a desperate nighttime escape from Tenochtitlan.
- Many Spaniards, including those carrying gold, die as the Aztecs attack on the causeway.
Cortés' Rewritten History
- The Noche Triste was a military disaster for Cortés, losing cannons, horses, and gold.
- Eyewitness accounts of the events are skewed due to the high death toll, allowing Cortés to control the narrative.
Tlaxcalan Alliance
- The Tlaxcalans faced a crucial decision: side with the weakened Spaniards or the Aztecs.
- Doña Luisa, Alvarado's wife, argued that allying with the Spaniards was essential, despite their current state, as more would inevitably arrive.