Who was responsible for the conquest of the Aztec Empire?

Discover the Mesoamerica Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Ace your exam effortlessly!

The conquest of the Aztec Empire was led by Hernán Cortés, a Spanish conquistador who arrived in present-day Mexico in 1519. Cortés is recognized for his strategic military tactics, alliances with indigenous groups discontented with Aztec rule, and his ability to capitalize on the political situation within the empire. His expedition ultimately culminated in the fall of Tenochtitlán, the Aztec capital, in 1521.

Cortés's interactions with key figures, including the Aztec leader Moctezuma II, played a pivotal role in the conquest. He initially entered Tenochtitlán with intentions of seizing wealth and spreading Christianity, exploiting the division among indigenous groups to strengthen his position.

The other figures mentioned in the choices are not associated with the conquest of the Aztec Empire. Christopher Columbus is known for his voyages to the Caribbean rather than Mesoamerica. Francisco Pizarro is recognized for his conquest of the Inca Empire in South America. Moctezuma II was the ruler of the Aztecs during the time of Cortés's expedition, but he was not responsible for the conquest; in fact, he was a key figure who faced defeat in the conflict with Cortés

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