Evaluate the factors that led to the conquest of the Aztecs in 1521.

Candidates will make an appraisal of the factors that led to the fall of the Aztec Empire in 1521. A variety of factors may be considered including aspects of Spanish military power, Spanish ambition for gold, power and glory, Cortez’s previous experiences in negotiating with and fighting native people, as well as rivalries between Aztecs and other communities that allied with the Spanish. It may also be argued that both the siege of Tenochtitlan and the smallpox epidemic weakened the Aztecs. Candidates may discuss the importance of Aztec myths and legends that announced the arrival of gods as a factor that weakened resistance since the Aztecs thought resistance could bring punishment and natural disasters. While these and other factors may be addressed, the focus is on evaluation of the most significant causes for the decline and fall of the Aztec Empire.