Hernán Cortés and Mesoamerica History

The Arrival of Hernán Cortés

• In 1519, Hernán Cortés led an expedition from Spain to the coast of Mesoamerica.
• Cortés founded the first city council of America, called Villa Rica de la Veracruz, directly dependent on the Spanish Kings.
• Moctezuma, the Mexica ruler, sent messengers to meet with the Spaniards, offering gifts in exchange for their departure.
• Despite the offer, Cortés continued onwards, reaching Tenochtitlán in November 1519.

Cortés and the Capture of Moctezuma

• Cortés captured Moctezuma, Cuitláhuac, and other important leaders, demanding submission and a large tribute in exchange for their release.

The Arrival of Pánfilo de Narváez

• While Cortés was in Tenochtitlán, Spanish troops commanded by Pánfilo de Narváez arrived in Villa Rica de la Veracruz, seeking to stop Cortés' unauthorized conquest.

The Rebellion in Tenochtitlán

• Cortés left Pedro de Alvarado in charge in Tenochtitlán and went to confront Narváez.
• Alvarado's attack on the Mexica people sparked a rebellion.
• Cortés, upon returning, asked Moctezuma to quell the uprising.
• Moctezuma died during this period, with Cuitláhuac assuming leadership.

The "Night of Sorrows"

• Cortés attempted to flee Tenochtitlán on June 30, 1520, but was discovered and attacked by the Mexicas.
• Spaniards suffered immense losses, including most of their wealth, experiencing their worst defeat yet during the conquest.
• This event is known as "La Noche Triste" (The Sad Night).

The Return of Cortés and the Fall of Tenochtitlán

• Cortés returned to Tenochtitlán with reinforcements and allied with other Indigenous peoples.
• In May 1521, without notice, Spanish troops blockaded Tenochtitlán, cutting off its food and water supply.
• After three months of resistance, the Spanish captured Cuauhtémoc, replacing Cuitláhuac, conquering Tenochtitlán.

The Colonization of Mesoamerica

• Post-conquest, various expeditions were launched by the Spanish to areas north and south of Mesoamerica.
• Between 1534 and 1548, significant silver deposits were discovered in present-day Guerrero, Zacatecas, and Guanajuato.
• To protect the mines, Spanish built presidios (forts) near them, defending against nomadic groups.
• Missions were established for Indigenous conversion and cultivating land to support the presidios.

The Spanish Colonization and the Emergence of New Cities

• Spanish colonization involved consolidating villages around new settlements. This formed cities featuring central plazas, churches, and straight streets.
• These urban designs persist in many Mexican historic centers.
• Indigenous populations were relocated, leading to mixing of traditions, customs, and languages, influencing new names, values, and ideas.

Spanish Evangelization and Education

• The Spanish Crown dispatched friars to convert Indigenous populations to Catholicism.
• Friars also educated Indigenous elite children in religion, writing, arithmetic, and music.
• Girls were trained in household duties, vital for Christian wives and mothers.

Mestizaje and the Formation of a New Society

• Intermarriage (mestizaje) created a society uniting Indigenous, Spanish, Asian, and African peoples.
• Africans were brought to the Americas as enslaved laborers by Europeans.