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Class and Section:
History 1301 - Video Quiz The History Channel "Cortes: Conqueror of Mexico"
Instructor: Laura L. Ramirez Cruz
DVD Summary: Hernan Cortes was a Spanish Conquistador who led an expedition that
caused the fall of the Aztec Empire and brought large portions of mainland Mexico under
the rule of the King of Castile in the early 16th century. Cortes was a part of the
generation of Spanish conquistadores that began the first phase of the Spanish
colonization of the Americas.
1.

When Hernan Cortes and his men first arrived in Mexico, they brought many
advanced European weapons with them muskets, cross-bows, cannons, and
swords. They also used horses and attack dogs to conquer the indigenous people
of Mexico. Why were these weapons so effective? Please explain.
At this time, the weapons Hernan Cortes used were enough to achieve
victory because the weapons of the natives were not as sophisticated, and
effective. While Hernan Cortes was fighting the Aztecs with advanced weapons
like swords, the Aztecs were still using primitive weapons like obsidian blades
against Cortes.

2.

Before making their way to Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Aztec Empire, Cortez
and his men acquired translators in Mexico. These translators included Geronimo
de Aguilar, a Spaniard taken hostage by the Mayans years before, and Dona
Marina, aka La Malinche, a Mayan woman. Would Cortez have been as
successful in his conquest without the assistance of these two individuals? Please
explain.
In my opinion, Cortes would not be as successful as he appeared to
be because La Malinche knew the language of the Aztecs and the
Mayas. Even though Marina joins the conquistadores as a sexual object,
her abilities gave Cortes the ability to communicate. Aguilar and Marina,
were practically the key of Cortes success. Cortes communicate to La
Malinche through Aguilar, and trough Marina, Cortes could communicate
with the Aztecs.

3.

When examining the conquest of the Aztec Empire and other indigenous tribes of
Mexico, how effective was the spread of European disease, such as smallpox, in
decimating the native population? Please explain.
The European disease of smallpox that spread in the early 16 th century was
very violent and by far the most important one to the Conquistadors. The
smallpox epidemic after the Europeans arrived killed most of the Aztecs,
leaving a very small percentage of the population alive.

4.

Based on the information presented in Cortes: Conqueror of Mexico, do you

believe that Hernan Cortes was one of the greatest conquerors in world history?
Please explain.
Hernan Cortes became one of the greatest conquerors because he was
determined to colonize, losing half of his empire, and thousands of natives
along the way. He challenged the people to fight until they can become
victorious, controlling his now little army. After massacres, Cortes became
ruthless, and cruel. He then gained 200 people who joined his army, and a
ship, along with more weapons. All of this, made Hernan Cortes the
conqueror of Mexico. He received respect back then, but to me he still is
an important figure worldwide. He was a leader, and a great conqueror.