Aztecs: Fact or Fiction

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Questions and Answers

What did the Aztecs refer to themselves as?

  • Tudors
  • Aztecs
  • Mexica or Culhua-Mexica (correct)
  • Spanish

Why is the name 'Aztecs' considered misleading?

  • It was invented in 1843 by a historian. (correct)
  • They never existed.
  • It was the Aztecs' own name for themselves.
  • The name refers to a single city.

What misconception about the Aztecs has persisted regarding their views on Spanish conquistadors?

  • They thought the Spanish were supernatural beings. (correct)
  • They believed the Spanish could predict the future.
  • They regarded the Spanish as equals.
  • They believed the Spanish were their ancestors.

What historical influence most shaped the impression of King Richard III?

<p>Shakespeare's plays (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one consequence of the Spanish invaders' actions towards the Aztec civilization?

<p>They killed many thousands of people. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What misconception about the Aztecs is highlighted in the content?

<p>They willingly accepted Spanish rule. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main strategies used by the Spanish to justify their actions against the Aztecs?

<p>Portraying the Aztecs as primitive and easily manipulated. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How long did the Aztecs successfully repel the Spanish from Tenochtitlan?

<p>93 days (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the Spanish invasion have on the Aztec population?

<p>It caused the death of millions through violence and disease. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested about the survival of Aztec culture despite the Spanish invasion?

<p>The culture still thrives with over 1 million Nahuatl speakers. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Historical Context of the Aztecs

  • “History is written by the victors” highlights the bias in historical narratives, often overlooking perspectives of the conquered.
  • Many perceptions of the Aztec civilization stem from accounts by Spanish invaders after their conquest.

Name Origins

  • The people referred to as Aztecs identified themselves as Mexica or Culhua-Mexica.
  • The term "Aztec" derives from Aztlan, where early settlers originated, popularized by an American historian in 1843.

Myth of Divine Perception

  • The belief that the Aztecs viewed Spanish conquistadors as gods arises from misinterpretations and a desire to portray the Spanish favorably.
  • Spanish narratives aimed to depict the Aztecs as superstitious to justify their violent conquest.

Resistance to Conquest

  • Contrary to myths, Aztecs did not willingly surrender; they fought fiercely against the Spanish.
  • They successfully resisted Hernan Cortés and his forces in Tenochtitlan for 93 days before ultimately being overthrown.

Cultural Survival

  • Despite significant loss of life and culture due to Spanish invasion, Aztec traditions continue today.
  • Over 1 million people still speak Nahuatl and practice worship with rituals similar to those of the Aztec civilization.

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