The defeat of the Aztecs by Hernán Cortés had several significant consequences. Here are some of the key results:
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Collapse of the Aztec Empire: The fall of Tenochtitlán in 1521 marked the end of the Aztec Empire, leading to the dissolution of its political and social structures.
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Spanish Colonization: The defeat facilitated the establishment of Spanish colonial rule in Mexico, leading to the colonization of much of Central America and parts of North America.
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Cultural Exchange and Syncretism: The interaction between Spanish colonizers and indigenous peoples resulted in cultural exchanges, blending of traditions, and the spread of Christianity.
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Introduction of European Diseases: The arrival of Europeans brought diseases such as smallpox, which devastated the indigenous population significantly.
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Economic Exploitation: The Spanish took control of the region's resources, including gold and silver, and implemented systems of forced labor, such as encomienda.
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Shift in Global Trade: The riches acquired from the Aztec Empire contributed to the rise of Spain as a major global power and altered trade networks.
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