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Which of the following is the best definition of prose? (1 point)
written language without a specific structure, as opposed to poetry or song
the highest class in society possessing hereditary power through land, titles, or political offices
a form of written language that uses specific structures and patterns to help convey meaning
How was it possible for a Spanish army of only 300 to conquer the Aztec Empire, which controlled five million people?
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Answer to first question: written language without a specific structure, as opposed to poetry or song.
Why a small Spanish force could topple the Aztec Empire
A combination of factors — not just Spanish soldier numbers — made conquest possible:
- Indigenous allies: Cortés allied with dozens of subject peoples (notably the Tlaxcalans) who hated Aztec domination and provided the bulk of the fighting force. With these allies the Spaniards could field many thousands of warriors.
- Disease: Old World diseases (especially smallpox) brought by the Spaniards spread before and during the siege of Tenochtitlan, killing large numbers of Aztecs (including leaders and soldiers) and disrupting social and military order.
- Military technology and tactics: Steel weapons and armor, firearms, cannons, horses, and naval forces (brigantines used to control lake waters) gave the Spanish advantages in shock, mobility, and siege warfare, even if Spaniards were few.
- Political structure and divisions: The Aztec Empire was a tribute empire of many semi-independent city-states; loyalties were fragile and many subject peoples preferred Spanish rule to Aztec tribute demands.
- Leadership, diplomacy, and intelligence: Cortés’s bold moves (including taking Moctezuma II hostage), use of interpreters like La Malinche, and exploitation of rivalries allowed the Spaniards to manipulate local politics.
- Reinforcements and logistics: Cortés did bring additional troops and supplies at key moments; more importantly, his native allies provided the manpower for sieges and field battles.
Put together, these factors let a few hundred Spanish soldiers act as the military and political catalyst that — with thousands of indigenous allies and the catastrophic effect of disease — overwhelmed an empire of millions.
Why a small Spanish force could topple the Aztec Empire
A combination of factors — not just Spanish soldier numbers — made conquest possible:
- Indigenous allies: Cortés allied with dozens of subject peoples (notably the Tlaxcalans) who hated Aztec domination and provided the bulk of the fighting force. With these allies the Spaniards could field many thousands of warriors.
- Disease: Old World diseases (especially smallpox) brought by the Spaniards spread before and during the siege of Tenochtitlan, killing large numbers of Aztecs (including leaders and soldiers) and disrupting social and military order.
- Military technology and tactics: Steel weapons and armor, firearms, cannons, horses, and naval forces (brigantines used to control lake waters) gave the Spanish advantages in shock, mobility, and siege warfare, even if Spaniards were few.
- Political structure and divisions: The Aztec Empire was a tribute empire of many semi-independent city-states; loyalties were fragile and many subject peoples preferred Spanish rule to Aztec tribute demands.
- Leadership, diplomacy, and intelligence: Cortés’s bold moves (including taking Moctezuma II hostage), use of interpreters like La Malinche, and exploitation of rivalries allowed the Spaniards to manipulate local politics.
- Reinforcements and logistics: Cortés did bring additional troops and supplies at key moments; more importantly, his native allies provided the manpower for sieges and field battles.
Put together, these factors let a few hundred Spanish soldiers act as the military and political catalyst that — with thousands of indigenous allies and the catastrophic effect of disease — overwhelmed an empire of millions.
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