Week Four
Here Come the Spanish
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The Conquest of Mexico
I. Precursors: Cuba (1511), Yucatán (1517-18)
II. Chronology of conquest:
A. 1519 spring: arrival and first contacts
-- translators: Jerónimo de Aguilar, Gonzalo Guerrero, Malintzin (Doña Marina, La Malinche)
-- founding of Veracruz
-- battle and alliance with Tlaxcala
-- Cholula massacre
-- entry into Tenochtitlan and seizure of Moctezuma II
B. 1520: occupation and ejection from Tenochtitlan
-- Cortés leaves for coast
-- massacre of lords during Feast of Toxcatl (May)
-- Cortés returns, La Noche Triste (June), Moctezuma II dies
C. 1521: regrouping, seige, final attack
-- smallpox in Tenochtitlan, kills tlatoani (ruler) Cuitlahuac
-- brigantines built in Tlaxcala
-- siege May-August; Cuauhtemoc is tlatoani
II. Who were the conquistadors?
-- Spaniards
Fernando/Hernando/Hernán Cortés
Bernal Díaz del Castillo, Historia verdadera de la conquista de la Nueva EspañaTlaxcala
Cholula
Huejotzinco
Texcoco
Xochimilco (chinampa towns)
