The Rest Is History

390. The Fall of the Aztecs: War to the Death (Part 7)

12 snips
Nov 20, 2023
The spring of 1521 marks a turning point as Hernán Cortés besieges Tenochtitlan, leaving the fate of the Aztecs hanging by a thread. Smallpox devastates the local population, while Cuauhtémoc, the new Aztec emperor, prepares to make a desperate stand. The siege reveals brutal military tactics and psychological warfare, showcasing the tragic clash of two civilizations. Amidst the chaos, cultural losses surface, highlighted by ancient rituals and the haunting defiance of Cuauhtémoc as the Aztec Empire faces its inevitable fall.
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ANECDOTE

Cortes's Fleet

  • Cortes launches a fleet on Lake Texcoco to attack Tenochtitlan.
  • This attack mirrors a fantasy or science fiction scene.
INSIGHT

Shifting Power Dynamics

  • The balance of power shifted after the Noche Triste due to smallpox and new troops.
  • Spanish control of ships gave them a significant advantage.
ANECDOTE

Cuauhtémoc's Resistance

  • Cuauhtémoc, the new Aztec emperor, embodies resistance against the Spanish.
  • He killed one of Montezuma's sons and others on his orders.
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