Essay On Mexican Conquest

Hernán Cortés was for the most part responsible for the conquest of the Mexicans. He was Spanish conquistador who pursued to gain wealth and admiration. “…to investigate rumors of a fabulously wealthy kingdom somewhere in the interior of the mainland.” (American Promise, pg. 34) Cortes and his army were welcomed and were given gold. Consequently, Spaniards’ greed grew, and Cortés took Montezuma captive, then murdering him. “Cortes took Montezuma hostage and held him under house arrest, hoping to make him a puppet…” (American Promise, pg. 35)
The economic and religious reasons for the conquest were for the mining of minerals such as gold, land, and to convert them to Christianity. Spain believed Christianity was the only faith and believed it
This was a significant reason as to why the Mexicans were defeated. Cortés organized an army of thousands of non-Spanish men, taking advantage of the conflict and while having superior military technology. “Cortés reinforced his small army with thousands of Indians allies who were eager to seek revenge against Mexica.” (American Promise, pg. 36)
The natives war tactics were inadequate and based on their religious beliefs. They would fight to capture, then sacrifice the captives to their gods. These tactics leveraged the Spanish to be victorious over them. “…to impose their tribute system on conquered people and to take captives for sacrifice.” (American Promise, pg. 36)
The Smallpox disease proved to be a powerful weapon. This disease was carried by Cortés and became an epidemic. Smallpox was a disease from animals that transferred to humans that weakened the Mexicans and killed off a lot of the population, also making it easier for the Spaniards to kill them. There were no remedies at the time. “European viruses proved to be even more powerful weapons. Smallpox arrived in Mexico with Cortés, and in the ensuing epidemic thousands of Mexicans died and many other became too sick to fight.” (American Promise, pg.