Which statements describe factors that led to the decline and defeat of the Aztec Empire?

Question

Choose all answers that are correct.

Responses

The Aztecs welcomed the Spanish with gifts.

The Aztecs welcomed the Spanish with gifts.

The Spanish took Moctezuma prisoner.

The Spanish took Moctezuma prisoner.

The Spanish attempt to recruit allies among the people the Aztecs had conquered failed.

The Spanish attempt to recruit allies among the people the Aztecs had conquered failed.

The Aztec Empire had superior weapons and firepower but waited too long to take action.

The Aztec Empire had superior weapons and firepower but waited too long to take action.

Smallpox weakened the Aztec's ability to resist.

Answer 1

The factors that led to the decline and defeat of the Aztec Empire include:

1. The Aztecs welcomed the Spanish with gifts. - This initial welcome provided the Spanish with a degree of access and advantage over the Aztecs.
2. The Spanish took Moctezuma prisoner. - The capture of the Aztec ruler significantly weakened the empire’s leadership and cohesion.
3. Smallpox weakened the Aztec's ability to resist. - The introduction of smallpox by the Europeans devastated the indigenous population, greatly diminishing their capacity to fight back.

The following statements are not correct regarding the factors leading to the decline and defeat of the Aztec Empire:

• The Spanish attempt to recruit allies among the people the Aztecs had conquered failed. - In fact, the Spanish successfully recruited allies, such as the Tlaxcalans, which bolstered their forces against the Aztecs.
• The Aztec Empire had superior weapons and firepower but waited too long to take action. - While the Aztecs had weaponry, they were not superior to that of the Spanish; the Spanish had firearms, cannons, and horses, which were significant advantages in battle.

Thus, the correct responses are the first three statements listed above.