Different Worlds Collide 4-2.2  Compare the various European settlements in North America in terms of economic activities, religious emphasis, government, and lifestyles.

Hernando Cortés The Spanish had already started creating colonies in the Caribbean. The Aztecs lived in what is now Mexico. Tales of great riches reached Cortés and he left for Tenochtitlan in 1519.

The Aztecs Wealthy and in many ways more advanced than any European nation. Moctezuma – Ruler of the Aztecs Let Cortés stay in Tenochtitlan for a year, but then kicked him out. Aztecs thought that the Europeans were the fulfillment of an ancient legend that spoke of white-bearded gods.

Conquering the Aztecs Cortés had 500 soldiers, but the Aztecs greatly outnumbered him. (Not good for him) He did have metal armor, muskets, and horses He also met natives that did not want to live under Aztec rule. Ally and interpreter – Doña Marina

Secret Ally Cortés had an invisible ally – smallpox Thousands of Aztecs caught smallpox after Cortés arrived. This disease helped wipe out resistance.

New Spain After the conquest of the Aztecs, Tenochtitlan was destroyed. The Spanish colony New Spain was established and its capital, Mexico City. Set up: Schools Government/Laws Churches (Roman Catholic) Colonists of New Spain hoped to gain wealth by starting farms, businesses, and gold and silver mines.

Another Empire Falls Francisco Pizarro, another Spaniard, heard tales of another rich empire in South America He was able to capture the Incan ruler, Atahualpa, and hold him ransom. After the Incas paid Pizarro a ransom for the release of their leader, Pizarro had Atahualpa put to death, along with other top leaders in the Incan government. The capital city, Cuzco, was captured and the Incan Empire fell. Pizarro founded a new colony, Peru and its capital city, Lima.

Review What You’ve Learned Which forces were stronger-Cortés’s forces or Aztec forces? Explain. How did Cortés gain allies to help conquer the Aztecs? Why did Moctezuma first allow Cortés and his men to stay in Tenochtitlan? Which empire did Pizarro conquer?