Hernan Cortes first encountered towns on the outskirts of the empire and promised them liberation from the Aztecs, “These Amerinds believed Cortes’ promise of liberation from Aztec dominance…” (Judge and Langdon 405). When they finally saw the capital, they were completely shocked by the size and scheme of it (Document 18.1). They were greeted as welcomed guests and were brought into the city. Cortes thought they were in danger and rightly so, “the Aztec military elite pressed for the destruction of the strangers…” (Judge and Langdon 405). Another reason to justify their conquest was the immediate threat imposed upon the Spanish while inside the capital. Cortes and his men took action and seized Montezuma as a captive and end up fleeing the city. War breaks out and the Spanish outgun the Aztecs and end up making them plea for peace. The reason Cortes denies their plea is what justifies the conquest of the Aztec
Hernan Cortes first encountered towns on the outskirts of the empire and promised them liberation from the Aztecs, “These Amerinds believed Cortes’ promise of liberation from Aztec dominance…” (Judge and Langdon 405). When they finally saw the capital, they were completely shocked by the size and scheme of it (Document 18.1). They were greeted as welcomed guests and were brought into the city. Cortes thought they were in danger and rightly so, “the Aztec military elite pressed for the destruction of the strangers…” (Judge and Langdon 405). Another reason to justify their conquest was the immediate threat imposed upon the Spanish while inside the capital. Cortes and his men took action and seized Montezuma as a captive and end up fleeing the city. War breaks out and the Spanish outgun the Aztecs and end up making them plea for peace. The reason Cortes denies their plea is what justifies the conquest of the Aztec