Montezuma was the ruler of a vast civilization. Of the 25 million people he ruled, 5 million were fierce Aztec soldiers. Montezuma's empire was based on the strength of his reputation as the most merciless ruler in Latin America, and he had soundly defeated everyone who questioned his authority. His people believed he was a god--that he was invincible. But Montezuma's golden palace had attracted the attention of greedy visitors from another world, men whose weapons, battle tactics, and brutality would put the Aztec ruler's powers to the ultimate test.
As you examine these slides about the collision of "old world and new" in 1519, draw and color Montezuma's original territory on your thematic map, and label the city where these two forces first encountered each other.
The Lust for Gold
While Montezuma ruled over his Aztec kingdom back in Central America, a young Spaniard named Hernán Cortés was preparing to cross the Atlantic in search of gold. He took 11 ships, 16 horses, and about 600 men to stand against Montezuma's army of 5 million soldiers.
Trouble on the Horizon
Cortés landed on the Yucatan peninsula in 1519, and was quickly spotted by Montezuma's spies. The Aztecs had never seen anything like the Spanish ships, and were amazed by Cortés's armor and horses.
Cortés Marches to the Capital
As Cortés moved toward the Aztec capital, he added to his army by convincing native people to join him (and killing any who refused). By the time he met Montezuma, Cortés had a sizable force bent on overthrowing the Aztec ruler.
Worlds Collide
Montezuma and Cortés met at the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan. While the meeting was friendly on the outside, with expensive gifts of gold and lavish ceremonies, each was secretly plotting the destruction of the other.
Question
What were the differences between the worlds of Montezuma and Cortés?